Life in Cedar City

Lakers room

2012-01-20T10:46:00.000-08:00

Mikes mom gave me these great pictures.

Kooper got a new room for turning 6. We only had to buy the bedding and the valance everything else we had.

Birthday Party

2012-01-07T14:36:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Koop

Drop the clothes pin in the cup.

Kooper had his Birthday party today, just a nice small party with some neighbors.

Heat wave...

2012-01-05T11:06:00.000-08:00

We took advantage of the heat wave to go hike Snow Canyon in St. George. I would like to point out it was January 3rd with shorts and t shirts. Ryan and his kids came to visit us for a couple days, we had so much fun hiking and swimming and the kids played hours of Wii.

Dinosaur Museum

2011-12-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

Digging for bones

Grandma and Grandpa took the grand kids to the Dinosaur Museum.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T20:34:00.000-08:00

They all scored Angry Bird hats from Santa

Kooper did not want to go to go look at lights at Temple Square

ABC's

2011-11-22T21:12:00.000-08:00

Tests...

2011-11-15T11:48:00.000-08:00

I had BRAC analysis genetic testing done a couple weeks ago. It was testing to see if I have the Cancer gene. Everything came back normal. :)

I also had a mammogram last week and I will be going back in to have an ultrasound later this week. I am not worried it should all work out. I just like the comfort of know everything is fine. Not gonna to lie, it was a little emotional to have these test done. Glad it's over.

Rochelle...

2011-11-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Rochelle's husband Ryan, and her kids Cole (13), Kamden (9), Carter (6)

This was our last sister's picture

This picture of my sisters seems too small, I can tell we are missing one.

I have done a lot of blogging on my sister Rochelle's cancer blog but I have not shared on my blog my journey the last few weeks. I am sure most of you have followed Rochelle's blog but if not I will catch you up.

Rochelle my oldest sister, has been battling stage four breast cancer for 4 years. This past year she has been in the hospital a lot, in October she was in the hospital for 11 days before she and her husband decided on hospice so she could go home. I flew to Washington to be with my sister and my family that weekend. I feel so blessed that my sister Chauntel and I were able to stay at Rochelle's house, for the next ten days I helped take care of Rochelle's kids, cleaned her house, and helped her husband Ryan take care of Rochelle. I am glad I returned to Washington when I did Rochelle was still able to recognize me slowly over the next ten days I watched her grow weaker and weaker. I had so many amazing experiences that week I am so grateful to Ryan for letting me be a part of that time.

Most of that week my family would come over and we would all hangout in Rochelle's room. I learned so much about Rochelle that week from all the messages on her blog and Facebook. I feel sadness for her Husband and three kids, but I feel peace that Rochelle is not suffering and in no more pain. She will be missed whenever our family gets together, she was the one who brought yummy desserts, who helped clean up when everyone else sat around in a food coma. Rochelle is the one who even on chemo was out playing baseball with Kooper and her boys. When I came to town she was always over visiting no matter how busy she was, or how tired she was, she always made me feel special and loved. I love that I never doubted how Rochelle felt about any situation, she would just tell it how it is. She was a great example and she can be proud of her 36 years she had on this earth.

Rochelle's passed away on October 24th at 11:45pm. This was her daughter Kamden's 9th birthday, this is a special day they will both share. October 24th is also our 8th Anniversary, this is a special day I will always remember.

Rochelle's Funeral was last weekend, all her family wore pink, all the 5 sisters wore matching pink breast cancer shirts. At the grave site we released pink balloons, it was a beautiful sight and great memory we will all have. I also had the opportunity to write Rochelle's obituary, something no one ever wants to do but I felt grateful to be the one to do it.

School Pictures

2011-11-03T17:09:00.000-07:00

Funny Story, A few weeks ago I had to go to Kooper's school and get my picture taken for a badge to wear while I am volunteering in his class. I got my badge today and a huge package of school pictures the teacher said the photographers must have been confused on what they were doing. So funny, so I have four sheets of a million school pictures apparently I look like an elementary student. Also in my school picture package was a smile safe card for if I ever get lost Mike just needs to show this to local law enforcement, so they can find me.

Trunk or Treat...

2011-10-31T20:30:00.000-07:00

Guess who won best trunk at our Trunk or treat this year?! WOOT! WOOT!

Kindergarten...

2011-10-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Long day...

2011-10-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

Disney Land With Rochelle and Ryan

My favorite picture of all my sisters. 2009

Having a hard day. Wishing I lived in Washington. My sister is such a strong woman, and such a great example to me .

http://rolumpybreast.blogspot.com/

Really?!?!

2011-09-21T11:35:00.001-07:00

Never mind all the dirt, don't judge me it rained a few days ago.

Is this a joke????

We need a garage.

Remember a few months ago when we had our whole car repainted?

BTW this was not my kids art work this time.

Hornets...

2011-09-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

The downside to coaching is I get no pictures of Kooper playing.

Iron County Fair...

2011-09-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

On Monday we went to the Fair. It's a really small Fair but the kids like it so we usually go. I miss our good fair, maybe next year I will make it home, and show the kids a "real" Fair.

Navajo Lake...

2011-09-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

We went up camping at Navajo Lake with Mike's sister Nikki and friends. We went on a little hike Monday before we left, called Cascade Falls. The traffic coming down out of Cedar Canyon was crazy.

Somethings missing...

2011-09-01T14:30:00.000-07:00

Kooper lost his first tooth and dad pulled out his other loose tooth.

Kindergarten...

2011-08-30T07:41:00.001-07:00

Koopers first day of Kindergarten, he did not want me to drive him to school he really wanted to ride the bus. He was so excited and two older boys from our neighborhood let him sit by them on the bus.

Maddox has been crying for 15 mins straight since he left, he keeps trying to get outside. I am not sure if he is sad Kooper left or because he wanted on the bus.

Picture dump...

2011-08-23T15:08:00.000-07:00

Kooper is going to Fiddlers Elementary and he went to meet his new teacher today Mrs. Werber.

We went to Lagoon for Mike's 33rd Birthday.

A month ago Kendall was in Salt Lake and we made the trip to Provo to visit Jillian and her family.

I finally got around to dumping the pictures on the computer so it's a little random.

Sneak peak ...

2011-08-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

My little sister Jillian and her family. Sorry Jillian I got about two of your pictures edited tonight before my eyes were watering from being on the computer for hours.

My sister Kendall and her twins, I love love their outfits, if I still lived at home I would definitively steal that shirt.

I went home to Washington last week and took one candid photo, so the only thing I have to prove I was there are these pictures I took for my sisters.

Family Pictures...

2011-08-22T17:14:00.000-07:00

I love Mike he's the best. He cooks for me (Mahi Mahi the other night, so good!), He cleans ( my whole house even the bathrooms), He takes care of my boys while I work. He turned 33 last week so I really can call him my old man!

Maddox will finally hold still (sorta) so I can get this gem of brotherly love.

Who loves the Lakers? We do, we do!

AHHHHH!

Best bud cousins

I finally was able to edit some pictures I have been waiting for Mike to buy me Photoshop elements, I got tired of waiting and used Picnik a free editing program which worked good enough for me.

Bear Lake...

2011-07-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Watching Kooper climb the coconut tree

Kooper had to pee a bunch on the drive to Bear Lake

We just returned from another year at Bear Lake. I didn't even take my camera to the lake this year so no beach photos. The weather was perfect, we laid on the beach, went for a bike ride, watched movies and just had a relaxing week. We also did our annual family pictures, I will post later after I make them look better. Can the summer please slow down it is going by way to fast I am not ready for school to start.

Koop-a-Loop

2011-07-11T07:32:00.000-07:00

Kooper: I know what I am going to do today, I am going to clean my room.

Me: I think that is a great idea. Do you want some breakfast first.

Kooper: No I need to clean my room first... but mom what will you give me this time, last time you gave me a dollar.

Me:How about instead of one dollar I give you two quarters.

I am not sure if he was working me or I was working him I guess either way his room is clean.

Escalante...

2011-07-09T19:07:00.000-07:00

We have a rental car while our Camry is being repainted after Kooper took a rock to the paint. Since this car was bigger and nicer we decided to go camping. We are all dirty and exhausted and had a great time.

Calf Creek Falls hike was so long but worth the waterfall at the end.

Mike dreaming of Maui went for a swim to the waterfall.

We went camping at the Calf Creek, just outside of Escalante which is about 2.5 hours from Cedar City.

This is Peek-a-boo hike. I about had a heart attack we started the climb with the kids and decided it had too much water from all the rain and we had to back track it was sooo scary. Look at that nasty water, and Maddox just wanted down so he could swim.

The last hike we did was Spooky Gulch a fun little slot canyon Maddox and Kooper loved it. Dad and mom had to suck in a few places and squeeze through.

Big bed...

2011-06-20T22:41:00.000-07:00

Maddox is sleeping in the big bed tonight for the first time, I am hoping this will solve his stripping problem. He went to sleep no problem, didn't cry or get out of bed once. Wish me luck he will be dressed in the morning. (fingers crossed!)

Camping, swimming, and squirrels...

2011-06-19T13:24:00.000-07:00

Mike and Kooper on the waterfall slide.

Red cliffs is down near St. George and we did a little red rock camping, hiking, and swimming.

We went with with our friends Megan and Brandon and they have a son named Maddax (which wasn't confusing at all :) and a baby Capri. They met us Saturday morning we went hiking, swimming in these fun waterfalls, and pools, and they made us super yummy dutch oven dinner.

I am going to randomly throw in a Happy Father's Day, to my sexy husband and amazing dad!

This was how we took our baths while camping we just found a water splash park.

The highlight of the trip was finding not one but two dead chipmunk/squirrel thingy's dead in our tent, So nasty! We kept our tent closed all the time so we have no idea how they got in or how they died. Lots of lizards, bats, bugs, this is not the kind of camping I remember from when I was little. We had so much fun.

Happy Birthday "2" You...

2011-06-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

My baby turned two yesterday! Mike and I are totally obsessed with him, everything he does is entertaining. He can count to ten, say his ABC's, Sing Happy Birthday to you, give the best hugs and kisses in the world, and strip to nothing no matter what we do to keep his clothes on. He loves Cars, Thomas the train, and recently can't get enough of Yo Gabba Gabba. We are so glad Maddox is a part of our family.

We took Batman cupcakes to day care yesterday and then we went to St. George to swim and had Cake with our friends the DeLlamas. I bought magic candles the ones that don't blow out and he loved them, He just kept blowing them out and giggling.

He also had a family party this weekend with grandma and grandpa but I don't have any pictures to share yet. He got tons of Thomas the train and cars toys. We can not wait for Cars 2 to come out.

Kooper told me yesterday "Everything is always about Maddox, Maddox, Maddox, well I am done celebrating Maddox's Birthday." Poor kid! This conversation started after I went to the bank and I let Maddox pick the blue sucker that Kooper wanted. Maybe just a little dramatic, I have no idea who he gets that from.

Naked Baby...

2011-06-05T21:10:00.000-07:00

Anyone remember the story of how Maddox loves to take off his clothes in his crib? He still does that, this was at grandmas house and someone thought of the camera before a diaper. Maddox is like Houdini with a diaper and can get his clothes and diaper off no matter what we do. I was going through pictures and found this gem. Enjoy!

Yoga Retreat...

2011-06-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

I taught yoga this weekend up at Beaver Ranch Yoga Retreat, and I loved every minute of it. I taught two of the four yoga classes. The classes were outside by the waterfalls and streams and a pond and I have been totally spoiled and not sure if I want to do yoga in a gym ever again.

I did the zip line, a little hiking, and camp fires, dutch oven for dinner and lots of yoga. Everyone loved it so much the ranch was beautiful and we plan on doing one or two more retreats this summer.

Aquarium of the pacific and Long Beach...

2011-05-31T19:49:00.000-07:00

Picture overload, of our weekend in L.A. We loved taking the kids on vacation but it was not relaxing at all. We were reminded why we leave the kids with grandparents when we travel. We packed half our house, and the kids only took naps in the car so they were super happy most of the time(that was sarcasm). The weather was really cold most of the time, We should have packed our coats. On the bright side look at all the great pictures we have and fun memories of our family vacation.

shark tank

Feeding the birds

We could pet the sharks, stingrays, and jellyfish, as well as feed the birds. We watched a sea lion and seal show, pretty entertaining. Maddox has an obsession with Nemo right now so he loved the aquarium.

Hollywood...

2011-05-31T19:43:00.000-07:00

This was Kooper and Maddoxs favorite thing we did. Can you tell why?

I forgot my nice camera and I am so sad but at least I remembered a camera.

Dodgers...

2011-05-31T19:40:00.000-07:00

We love the Dodgers!

Memorial weekend in L.A.

2011-05-31T19:33:00.000-07:00

Santa Monica Pier

Manhattan Beach, Kooper even tried boogie boarding until he fell in once and he was done.

The first day we went to Manhattan beach and to Santa Monica Pier that evening.

T ball...

2011-05-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Finally (sigh)! After years of waiting Kooper can finally play T ball. Today was his first game and it was complete craziness, once again my kid is a stud. He has been playing since he could walk and loved every minute of it except maybe when he got hit in the eye by a foul ball.

He chased every ball and got it most of the time. Mike was helping in the outfield try to sort out the chaos and the coach mentioned our kid is a ball hog. Ha Ha I can live with that. Also, can I mention that I hope in the future we move to a city with nice baseball uniforms I am seriously disappointed in Cedars attire.

Poor Maddox wants to play SO bad and keeps trying to run on the field I spend more time entertaining him than actually watching. We had this same problem with soccer, and we are now counting down the years until he can play too. I forgot the flip(movies) but no worries you will all get to enjoy the awesomeness that is 5 year old T ball eventually.

Carnivals...scary or fun?

2011-05-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

Maddox walked through the gate and dove head first into the water, got half way in before dad pulled him out and told him we were riding the boats not swimming. The carney told us he had never seen a kid do that before. Nice.

Carneys=scary

Cotton Candy= fun

Price=scary

Rides= fun

The look on your kids face while held in only by a bungee cord= fun

Moms look on her face while kid is held in only by a bungee cord= scary

Sad Day...

2011-05-20T16:05:00.000-07:00

Because we had to leave our best vacation ever, trying already to figure when we can go back.

Our rental we were right next to the hot tub and reflection pool. Our place was right in front of our minivan rental

One of the places everyone went snorkeling, I sat on the beach and protected the beach gear.

The only picture I got of everyone. On our last day we all got a picture as our send off from Maui.

Best vacation ever, not sure if it was better than Germany just different.

While getting this pineapple I got a "Nice belly button" comment from an old man on a motorcycle. Weirdest compliment I have ever had but uh I'll take it. I think I should have given him back a "nice ear lobes" compliment so we were even.

I feel like you can't go to Hawaii and not get a flower in the hair picture.

Blake and Mike I think they saw a shark, Enjoy!

More Maui, Are you sick of it yet?

2011-05-11T00:50:00.000-07:00

Snorkel Cruise to Molokini and Turtle Town

Lahaina our rental was about two blocks from downtown.

Sexy!

The biggest and best snowcones on the island.

Road to Hana...

2011-05-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

I have never seen bamboo so we loved hiking through the bamboo forrest.

bamboo forrest

Black Rock Beach my favorite beach, so pretty.

Largest avacado I have ever seen.

Mike doing a little swimming at the waterfall.

Boulder jumping back to our waterfall, this was my favorite waterfall because we had so much fun getting to it.

The road to Hana has been my favorite day so far, we hiked to a few waterfalls and saw some amazing and beautiful places. The road was curvy a lot of people get sick on the drive but we stopped so often to hike we didn't have any problems getting sick. We stopped at a couple beaches and did a little boogie boarding. Mike swam in a waterfall , and did a little cliff jumping, and body surfing.

Maui day 2...

2011-05-08T00:47:00.000-07:00

Love going on vacation in a group look at all these picture Mike and I got together.

We woke up at 4am and drove up to Haleakala crater to watch the sunrise and we had stupid clouds. It was freezing!

hang loose!

Oops...

2011-05-08T00:35:00.000-07:00

Mike and John fighting the waves...

The waves won.

Maui...

2011-05-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

Chatting up the locals

Boogie boarding.

We got into Maui today Mike and I flew first class. We just relaxed today and did a little boarding. We came with Mike's parents and his sister Nikki and Blake. Time for bed waking up at 4am to hike the volcano crater.

Pre School Graduation...

2011-05-01T14:18:00.000-07:00

Oh wait where is Kooper? Oh there are his legs, oh wait he is crying and pouting while all the other kids sing.

Most well rounded award

Finally a smile

One more peek at Koopers legs while everyone sang and had fun, not Kooper he was still mad he had to wear church clothes to his graduation and he thought he looked stupid and uncool. Little did he know how uncool he looked crying on stage.

Artwork...

2011-05-01T14:14:00.000-07:00

K for Kooper

B for Bailey

D for DeRoest

Kooper loves to learn and is so excited to write he even does it with a rock on our car. Thanks Kooper you are the best!

Easter...

2011-05-01T14:02:00.000-07:00

BOM and Jesus...

2011-04-15T08:15:00.000-07:00

I went to pick the boys up from Mike's Basketball game last night at the stake center and Maddox was kicking and crying because he had to leave. As we walked into the foyer he stops and shouts JESUS pointing of course to the large picture of Jesus.

We have been reading a chapter in the Book of Mormon stories picture book to Kooper every night before bed. Earlier this week we finished it and at the end it mentions to pray to heavenly father to see if it is true so Kooper said a sweet prayer asking if it is true. He is a little confused on how heavenly father can speak to us to give us an answer. We are now starting at the beginning and he remembers a lot of the stories and loves to tell me them. This has helped with my love and understanding of the Book of Mormon and I know it is true.

Kooper learned something new today...

2011-04-06T13:01:00.000-07:00

He can officially ride a bike. We had him learn on his little bike and then we have a bigger bike for him when he gets comfortable on the little one.

I have been begging Mike since last year to teach Kooper to ride a bike. So today Mike pumped up his tires and took him out and 5 mins. later he came in and said OK come watch him ride his bike. I guess he was ready to ride a bike, and just waiting on his slacker parents to give him a little guidance.

Parks and ties...

2011-04-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to a birthday party at the big park discovery up on the hill. The boys were in heaven.

Kooper woke up before me which rarely happens, he came in wearing this. I asked him why the tie because he wanted to be cool of course. I might add that he hates ties and cries when we make him put them on but this one clips on so it's cool. I also let him go to school in this, batman socks, red pants, green jacket, clip on orange tie. I am a good mom.

If you have tile floors..

2011-04-03T15:41:00.000-07:00

You will appreciate this post. Before pictures above of my kitchen. Gross right?

My front entry after a little Grout Refresh from Lowes my awesome mother-in-law introduced me to.

I only post this because I have had the dirty grout conversation with a bunch of people in the town homes where I live. We could not figure out how to clean them. Grout Refresh has a few different colors and also seals the grout!

Guess who went to World Market...

2011-03-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

This girl did!

Why do new curtain make me so happy, I don't know but they do.

This guy...

2011-03-23T12:25:00.000-07:00

Took off his diaper and decorated his crib and body in poo yesterday morning. I was very near tears and throwing up all at the same time. Mike is mad I didn't get pictures, Really Mike? No one wants to see that. The sad thing is this is like the 4th time this has happened. The first thing Mike said to me was you forgot to tape his diaper. YES I freakin' forgot to tape his diaper! So in all his glory with Koop's underwear on his head I present POO BOY!

Autobots roll out..

2011-03-21T08:39:00.000-07:00

Transformers can go up building and walls... but not up force fields. -Kooper informed me of this today, I felt the world needed to know this tid bit of knowledge.

Sometimes when Kooper says things like this to me I have to wonder what in the world have I got myself into. I know nothing of boys, I have no brothers, but oh am I learning.

Monster Trucks...

2011-03-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Wheelie Contest

Maddox and Mike
My sister Kendall and I next to the Rockstar

Maddox in the wheel. The trucks were so loud aunt Kendall borrowed some headphone so the kids didn't get scared.

Our new family photo. I am thinking of hanging it proudly in the living room. Doesn't this scream classy family photo.

My sisters Rochelle, Kendall and I and Cole poking his head in our cute picture.

All the kids

We went back to Washington for the weekend and decided to go to the Monster Trucks. The kids all loved it. Koop loves playing with all his cousins and I love seeing my sisters and family.

Refueler jet...

2011-03-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

Mike is the airplane junkie not me so I don't know the names of anything. They had an open house today at the airport for this refueler jet. I took the kids after preschool to check it out and see it take off.

Hiking...

2011-03-07T08:54:00.000-08:00

Seriously who dressed this kid.

Kooper and his walking stick.

Proof I have cabin fever and need to get out, I took 165 pictures on our hike on Saturday. Hmm maybe just a little excessive for just a hike. Aunt Nikki and Blake came down this weekend so they could ride bikes in St. George while the weather was nice and I didn't get a single picture, crazy I know.

We were all so excited for our first hike of the season. Kooper finally can hike without any help and we did some easy hikes so Maddox could walk most of the way. We went down to Snow Canyon in St. George where it was 65 degrees.

Baby nudist...

2011-03-06T17:42:00.000-08:00

Help!!!!

Maddox loves to take off his diaper. After cleaning up his crib in the morning and after naps everyday we finally decided to put onsies on him and it helped for a while. Maddox now takes off his diaper under his onsies and pees all over. We even talked out duct taping his diaper on. Mike tried taping his diaper and he still managed to take off his diaper. Any suggestions? Should I just try to potty train him? I am at a loss and so tired of finding my little boy naked in his crib.

Awesome day!

2011-03-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

One of the neighbor little boys came over to play with Kooper today. He walks in and says, "I really hate this sound!" me "Which sound?" (not having a clue since the only thing I could hear was this folky mellow band called The Civil Wars.) "The sound on that." (pointing to the computer). HA HA HA you are so cute but have terrible taste in music kid.

On the car ride to school today Kooper says "Today is going to be so awesome!" "How come Koop?" "I get to watch Mega Mind today!" Today did not disappoint it was an Awesome day.

SUU B Ball...

2011-02-26T20:38:00.000-08:00

Future College basketball players...Don't worry kids one day you will be that tall too

It was Hawaiian night at the SUU game we scored leis and SUU rally towels. Mike has taken the kids to a few games while I was working. Tonight I didn't work and we had no big plans, except to support Mikes school, of course. Maddox loved it, Kooper just wanted to run around the bleachers.

We were early so we had great seats, ok ok we probably could have sat in the front row no matter when we showed up.

The only good thing about wind...

2011-02-25T15:00:00.000-08:00

Mike bought Koop a kite!

Nothing really exciting is happening with the DeRoests. We are supposed to get a bunch of snow this weekend, I am praying for lots of snow so we can go up to Brian Head next week and go snowboarding.
Maddox is talking A LOT lately he repeats everything we say. He can even kind of count to ten he misses a few numbers sometimes. My favorite thing he says is "Goodnight pooper". He has been talking for a long time now but lately it's full sentences. "I want that" or he asks the babysitter " "Is my mom here?". He is so strong willed he knows what he wants, and throws a fit if he doesn't get it. He has to feed himself, which drives me crazy. He still loves "Dow" (Cars) and also "choo choo!" (Thomas the train). I love this age!

My valentine...

2011-02-14T09:53:00.000-08:00

Me and my Valentine... The first year we were married at Yankee Stadium.

I surprised Mike with a night at the hotel Monaco in Downtown Salt Lake City. We had dinner and went to a dueling piano bar, we had such a great weekend.

Koopers Karate book...

2011-02-09T10:47:00.000-08:00

I believe Cody is aka Kobe our dog.

The end.

No more tonsils...

2011-02-03T08:53:00.000-08:00

Before surgery.... and after eating his ice chips with cotton candy flavor.

Kooper had his tonsils out this morning I am amazed at how fast he recovers. He is happily eating Popsicles and watching cartoons and back home acting like everything is fine.

Hockey...

2011-02-01T11:01:00.000-08:00

My pictures are out of order and I am to lazy to fix them. Friday night Mike and I took Kooper to a Grizzlies hockey game in Salt lake. Mike got us 5 dollar tickets and we had so much fun. I love watching hockey it is so much more entertaining than most sports. This game did not disappoint in the entertainment factor.

After the game they let people skate for 2 dollars. Mike was like a little kids more excited to skate than Koop. I guess we need to get Kooper some roller blades or something so he can work on balance. Kooper said maybe when he is 10 he will be a hockey player, I think you have a long ways to go skating before we let you play hockey. The top picture is of Kooper who can barely stand on the skates after his dad left him not once but three times clinging to the side while he took a lap. Mike thinks hes a pro skater he think he went sooo fast, ha ha he didn't see what I saw.

After the game some random guy gave Kooper a puck he thought that was so awesome.

All Kooper wanted was cotton candy at the game. Mike kept saying he wasn't sure if hockey games sold cotton candy. Kooper lucked out!

Attractive family! why do these self portraits never turn out well?

Cars...

2011-02-01T10:55:00.000-08:00

So one day I felt bad for Maddox who always has to watch what Kooper wants to watch decided he would love Cars. I put in Cars and we have been watching it non stop ever since. He has to have his cars in his hands and plays with cars while watching cars. He is addicted, and we can not wait for Cars 2 to come out this summer. What is it about little kids and having to be right in front of the TV? I tried moving him to a chair but he always finds his way back to 6 inches from the screen.

Pretending to be a photographer...

2011-01-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

My sister Kim had her fourth baby before Christmas...Baby Aleza.

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My friend Cindy was Married the day before Christmas Eve. She was brave enough to have me, who has no idea what I am doing but owns a nice camera take her wedding photos. My friend Meegan has me way paranoid about taking wedding photos. I don't want to be the one to ruin all the photos with my lack of knowledge and ruin this special day forever. I about had a heart attack before the wedding from stress. With that being said the pictures turned out crisp and clear, could a real photographer have done a way better job sure. BTW Kyle, Cindy's new hubby is 6'7"

I was also the lucky one who got to do Cindys bridal pictures. Which I was so excited about, unfortunately life was crazy before Christmas and we didn't get out to do photos until it was dusk. I loved the pictures but they were mostly grainy because it was so dark. SAD!

So thanks everyone for letting me pretend to be a photographer even though my stupid photoshop won't load on my new computer and my 30 day trial for photoshop elements is over...AHHH what will I do now.

Five...

2011-01-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Kooper turns 5 today! Yesterday we had his party at the bowling Alley with Batman theme. Grandma and Grandpa DeRoest and Aunt Nikki flew down for his birthday. Grandma made his Batman Cake and Aunt Nikki decorated it. For having his party at the bowling alley they gave him a pin, which he was so excited about.

I can't believe my baby is five, it flew by way to fast. He loves his Nintendo DS, playing board games, playing with his friends. He loves pre school, and just move up to CTR 4 in primary. I am so proud of him and what a cute and fun kid he is becoming.

Ta Da...

2011-01-03T17:08:00.000-08:00

We got a new King size bed for Christmas it is a 14 inch Memory foam mattress. I sleep much better at night, I don't toss and turn. I also got new bedding and picture above the bed (Thanks Nikki)

The boys bathroom got a monkey makeover. Mikes sister Jenna has this in her bathroom in Houston and I loved it so Annette gave this to the boys for X mas.

My bathroom also needed a new shower curtain so Wa La

Christmas Vacation...

2010-12-31T08:38:00.000-08:00

On Christmas night we flew to Washington to spend time with my family. I had to meet Kims new baby Aleza, she is so cute.My mom asked me if it makes me baby hungry...Um no. We had fun hanging out with the family and all the girls went to lunch.

Christmas...

2010-12-31T08:29:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas Kooper and Maddox loved opening gifts. I had a busy month so I didn't get family pictures, no Christmas cards, no lights on the house, I am actually glad it's over. It was a nice break but bring on the new year!

Christmas Eve...

2010-12-31T08:21:00.000-08:00

Mike and I went snowboarding on Christmas Eve at Snowbird about 15 mins. from his parents house. We had a couple firsts. The first time we rode through the tunnel on our snowboards to the other side of the mountain. Our other first was a tram that fit 125 people and packed us in like cattle all the way to the top of the mountain. Good times!

Fight Night...

2010-12-20T20:05:00.000-08:00

Mikes sister Nikki works out at a boxing gym in Salt lake and invited us to come to fight night. We had a good time it was fun to watch and they had about 15 fights, they started with kids and worked up to heavier weights.

We are home again but we left Kooper in Salt Lake with Grandma and Grandpa. Today was so nice to only have Maddox who takes a three hour nap. So relaxing I even took a nap.

Ward Christmas Party...

2010-12-20T19:57:00.000-08:00

I am or I guess was on the ward activities comity and Friday was our Christmas Party. Me and my Neighbor Lindsey did so much work and sent hours decorating and coordinating the event. We had a roast dinner with musical entertainment and Santa Claus. Mike took Maddox home early So he could put him to bed and Kooper stayed and ran around with the other kids all over the church. I finally made him come sit on Santas lap. I wish I would have taken more pictures, I thought it turned out well. I am glad I don't have to plan any more parties because Activities Commity was disbanded church wide. Next year I will be enjoying the party with my family.

Skywest Ugly Sweater Christmas party...

2010-12-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

Don't be jealous your husband doesn't have a turtleneck and sweater that has Christmas lights, and flashing reindeer headband.

Mike and Skywest employees.

Two of my good friends Sheena and Cindy work for Mike and also work at the Crisis Center with me so it was fun to hangout with them tonight.

Mike had his Skywest Christmas party tonight all the employees wore ugly Christmas sweaters, We had Dinner at Rustys.

Rockband...

2010-12-11T20:08:00.000-08:00

Maddox is our snuggle kid he loves to snuggle and give hugs. After he throws a tantrum or hits us he always gives us hugs.

When we were at our friends house they had Rockband out and Maddox sat and watched the kids play and when it was his turn he went to town. In case you were wondering wooden spoons makes great drum sticks

Noooo!

2010-12-08T12:24:00.000-08:00

Mike and I got a new king size bed for Christmas when we get our room all finished I will take a picture. We decided to put our bed in Maddoxs room. Queen bed, crib, and dresser was all that fit in his teeny room.

Looks can be deceiving...as soon as we rearranged his room he started climbing out of his crib, yesterday after his nap he was knocking on the door and this morning he was just playing on his new bed. Help! he is only 18 months and Kooper never ever climbed out of his crib. I am not ready to get rid of the crib I was thinking more like when he turns two this is way to early. I am afraid he will get hurt trying to climb out does anyone have any good suggestions?

B Ball...

2010-12-08T12:05:00.000-08:00

Maddox loves sports balls he say "B ball" or "Bssball" all day. Kooper was really into sports at this age too I love it! Kooper still loves spots and keep talking to me about how he will play tee ball then soccer and basketball this year. Hopefully they still loves sport when crazy mom is yelling from the bleachers!

Showering with clothes on...

2010-12-03T12:42:00.000-08:00

Mom close the curtain I am showering.

OK I admit I don't wash my hair everyday, I have a lot of hair I promise I have more hair than anyone else reading this yours may be longer but I have more. So I also admit I love my granny shower cap. Only problem apparently so does Maddox. I catch him with it on all the time. I finally had enough thought process in between laughs to grab my camera.

Temple Square...

2010-12-03T12:20:00.000-08:00

Visitors center

I was cold and wet that's why I look so pretty, also why Mike went crazy.

Annette Nikki and John

Kooper, Grandpa, and Grandma

Maddox loved the snow he kept trying to eat it by sticking his face in it. I was surprised he didnt cry because he was cold but I guess he is a normal kid and doesn't feel the cold when playing in the snow.

We went to Temple Square last weekend while we were in Salt Lake for Thanksgiving. Maddox kept saying "Lights, lights!" It was Snowing so good that night so it was cold and wet. The kids loved it, it really was so pretty. We went into the visitors center to warm up and of course saw the statue of Christ. I think every year we say we want to go down to temple square and see the lights, then always decide it is way to cold to go outside. Finally it was decided it will always be cold we just needed to do it, and I am so glad we did. I am actually looking forward to more snow so we can take the kids sledding now that I know Maddox likes the snow.

Preschool ...

2010-12-02T11:39:00.000-08:00

Kooper just finished his first semester of preschool today!

Maddox is on the naughty list...

2010-11-30T13:20:00.000-08:00

The lady asked me if I wanted to sit in the picture with him so he wouldn't cry, I told her no way I would rather him cry than me be in the picture...Mom of the year Award, right here!

I was surprised he cried at all he has no concept of stranger danger and this was the nicest looking Santa I have ever seen.

We found him...

2010-11-28T13:38:00.000-08:00

The cutest mall Santa ever, Southtown mall is by far the best. We decided to skip the googly eyed Santa (Fashion Place mall) and go for the real deal this year. I will post the picture after I get home and scan them into our computer.

We had a tasty Thanksgiving in Salt Lake this year. Black Friday Mike and I woke up at 4am and went to Walmart and Target. Then Annette, Nikki and I went out to more stores after we dropped Mike off. We got home around 2p because I needed a nap. It was worth it we got some really great deals. We also went and saw Harry Potter which was great we haven't been to a movie in months.

birthday cake...

2010-11-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

My visiting teacher made me the cutest cake ever for my birthday, and it was so good.
I also got a nook and I love it!

Girls night...

2010-11-14T12:42:00.000-08:00

I did a girls night with my neighbors and friends. Lisa moved out of the neighborhood down to St. George and so we got together when she came up this weekend.
Left to right Lindsey and Max, me, Rachel, and Lisa. This is the only picture I have taken since Halloween I guess I need to be better.