niece

2012 | Weekend with Mallory

The last week in April, I got a call from my brother. He had decided to take his wife on a fun little train trip for their anniversary, but they needed someone to take care of little Mallory. Of course, I was delighted to do it for them. A few days later, Cody and Becki and Mallory spent the night at our house and then in the wee hours the next morning, they left on their adventure.

Having a 2-year-old around the house was an adventure as well, but one that I enjoyed so much. It made me miss having a toddler pretty bad. I enjoyed getting to know Mallory more and we had a great time.

After getting the kids off to school Friday morning, Mallory and I had the house to ourselves. We watched a bit of tv, ate some breakfast, and ran some errands. And of course we had to hit the park for a little while. Mallory adores swinging on the swings at the park! We did a little grocery shopping and visited Uncle Joey at work for a bit. We had lunch and then I got to sing to Mal and we both had a bit of a nap before my kids got home from school. JJ adores his cousin and he loved coming home and getting to play with her. I swear he is the only one who can make her laugh so hard. I always love to see the special relationship that Mallory has with JJ. We ended up going to the little park in our trailer community for some playing too. Then of course we had to watch “Meet the Robinsons, ” which I’m pretty sure is Mal’s favorite movie. It was darling to see her giggle and enjoy it. We had Chili for dinner which Mal just gobbled right down. After getting my kids to bed, it was a bit of an adventure trying to get Mallory to go to sleep. She was missing her parents pretty bad. I sang to her and we watched part of Meet the Robinsons yet again. We hit a snag, where she kept asking me to sing, “the dog song.” I couldn’t figure it out, so I ended up calling Becki, where I was informed that she was saying “duck” not “dog.” So once we solved that mystery…we sang “5 Little Ducks went out to play” and she calmed right down. I thought she would sleep with me, but for some reason she really didn’t want to sleep in my room, so she ended up sleeping on the air mattress. Once she got to sleep, she slept all night.

On Saturday, we went to the park again and Mallory loved swinging. We came home and had Mac & Cheese for lunch. We played and played and played. The kids loved playing outside with Mal. We also finally got Mallory to take a little nap before her Aunt Ashley came over to take her for a little while. I spent some time with my own kids and we had dinner and cleaned up before Mallory came back to us. After getting my kids showered and off to bed, it was some special one-on-one time for Mallory and I (Joey had gone to a movie with a friend.). This was probably my favorite couple of hours that I had with Mallory the whole weekend. We watched some tv, sang some songs, and I finally felt like we really connected. We started actually having a conversation and giggling and snuggling. She would not go to sleep, but I was enjoying her too much to really make it happen. I was kind of sorry to hear the knock on the door and see Cody and Becki arrive back. I had been having so much fun with my niece. But Mallory was so glad to see her parents and she just wouldn’t let go of them. It was fun to visit with Cody and Becki for awhile. Joey came home soon after they did, and we all stayed up and talked for awhile, before all heading to bed.

It was such a fun weekend with Mallory!

Life 365 | Week 27

Monday, June 28, 2010

After watching Toy Story 3 – I’m even more aware of the importance of my children’s playtime. I love seeing them engrossed in their imagination. The Cars movie has always been special to JJ and he’s been collecting more and more fun toys from the movie. Most of the time, it drives me crazy to have all the kids’ toys scattered everywhere. But today, I was reminded of the Toy Story movies, and the way I played when I was growing up and I just watched the kids play – so grateful that they use their imaginations.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

It’s was my 31st birthday today. I didn’t really have too much planned, except that I wanted to sleep in, to have a long shower, and go see a movie by myself. So Joey took JJ to school so I wouldn’t have to get up early and I did get to sleep in. But as I was taking my shower, I heard something snap and then no hot water. I had to call Joey back from work and he had to crawl clear under the house to fix a pipe. He got so dirty, but I’m so grateful that he was willing to do that to get it done. The rest of the day was just a regular day of a little cleaning, a little playing and a little designing. I finally got my long shower after the kids went to bed and then at 2am I headed off to stand in line for the 3:15am showing of Eclipse – me and all the teenagers. But it was fun and worth it and even though I got home at about 5:30am – I’m glad I did something crazy for my birthday.

Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Joey works A LOT and he doesn’t often get to play video games. But he has spent a lot of time lately playing World of Warcraft. He has needed to get certain goals met so that he can get the next expansion pack for free. He still hasn’t quite made it but he has a few more days! The kids love seeing him play!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

We love it when we get to tend Mallory for awhile! She came over to visit us, while Aunt Becki went to see Eclipse and we had a great time. We got to feed her and play with her and she even took a nap. She’s so sweet and cute and little!

Friday, July 2, 2010

We had a lazy morning and then packed at about lunchtime to head to Sink Valley for the weekend! We picked up some McDonalds to eat on the way. Unfortunately, we got almost 1/2 way there before realizing that we had forgotten Joey’s pills. So we had to turn around and go get them. We finally arrived at about 8:30pm at the family ranch. The kids were so happy to finally get there! We set up our tent and helped Grandma with the dutch oven dinner. And the best part for the kids was that they got to ride on the Gator with Uncle Clint and Grandpa. We had a nice dinner and even got dessert because Beth says, “It’s not camping if you don’t have smores.” Then we spent a hard night in the tent – Beth slept well but the rest of us didn’t. I guess Joey and I are too old now for camping the real way! But I’m still glad the kids had the experience!

Saturday, July 3, 2010

I haven’t spent a lot of time at Sink Valley – the family ranch – in a few years so this weekend was really wonderful. We woke up and had breakfast which my mom had cooked over the old stove in the house. We got to go feed the horses in the Gator and swing in the tire swing. So many fun memories from the years and I’m so excited that my kids get to experience a little bit of what I grew up with. We then headed into Orderville to celebrate the 4th of July. We went to the park and the kids got to play games, we had lunch, the kids went down the slippy slide, and Joey and I got to help judge the soup contest! Then we headed back to Sink Valley where we met up with my brothers and sisters and their families. We played some ultimate basketball (like ultimate frisbee but with basketballs and buckets) and I tore up my leg pretty good and Joey toppled over Beth so she got hurt too – but it was still fun. The kids got to ride on a horse and ride in the baler/swather to help with the hay. My dad caught a young deer without a mommy and they fed it some milk and my kids got to pet it! Later even most of my cousins/aunt/uncle on my Dad’s side showed up. It was quite the reunion to have us all together. We used to do yearly Easter trips together with them and I have so many great memories. We had a great cook-out and visiting! It was the first time my whole family has been together in a really long time and so we captured some photos that I’m sure we are all going to treasure! And Whitnee announced to all of us that her Mom is pregnant! We thought Kori was done – so this is a new exciting thing to happen for their family and I’m excited to be an Aunt once again. We headed to Orderville after the cook-out and got baths/showers before heading to bed. Beth got to go to Whitnee’s for a sleepover and she was so excited.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

We got up early and headed over to Cedar City where we attended my brother’s church and got to see his daughter – Briel Ruth Sorensen – be blessed. We had a luncheon at their house and it was just really great to have my family all together. We then headed to Orderville again, where I promptly had a nap and the kids watched a movie and Joey went and helped my parents and brothers move sprinklers! Then we headed up to Sink Valley again! We played more Ultimate Basketball and had another cookout with the family. My parents, Clint, Cody and his family, Ricky and Logan, and my family camped for another night. We stayed in Kori’s little house this time because we decided we didn’t want to put up the other tent. We all slept much better.

And here is my weekly layout:
I used my Digital 365 & my Americana BearZ to create this layout!

Life 365 | Week 25

Monday, June 14, 2010

Another week of soccer camp! JJ and I took Beth to soccer this morning and then we walked around the 1 1/4 mile track they have there. It was good to get some exercise and I really need to remember to put that it in my schedule!

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

JJ’s first day of summer school was today. I feel so grateful that he had the opportunity to do this. I really think it helps him and its nice to have things to do in the summer! After his school we headed to the high school for the FREE LUNCH FOR KIDS that they have going every weekday this summer! Another thing to be grateful for!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

I am feeling so glad that this summer has had so many rainy days so far. I love the chill in the air and the beauty of overcast clouds. The kids and I spent a while on the porch today just taking it all in!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I love watching my kids use their imaginations and just having fun! The kids really had a good time playing outside today.

Friday, June 18, 2010

Joey and I were able to go to our niece’s wedding in the Salt Lake City temple today. It was a beautiful ceremony and we really felt the spirit there. Cody and Becki took the kids for the morning/afternoon today and they had tons of time playing at the park with Cody, Becki, and Mallory. We picked them up and went to the luncheon/reception before heading home for the night. I had chicken in the crockpot that cooked all day and I came home and made 8 chicken enchilada meals for my dinner exchange tomorrow.

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Today is Joey and I’s wedding anniversary. I feel so happy to have been married to my best friend for 11 years. We didn’t have any special plans today because we are a little low on funds right now. It actually turned out to be not a very good day. I slept through my alarm so JJ missed his T-ball game. I spent 2 hours in horrible traffic driving to Salt Lake City for my dinner exchange and the van overheated so I barely made it there. And then Joey went to do his podcast. So I was just ready for the day to end. When Joey got home from his podcast we did watch a movie and talked for awhile, so it ended up not being too bad. At least I have a week’s worth of dinners in the freezer for nights that I won’t have to cook! Yay!

Sunday, June 20, 2010

We didn’t have family movie night because JJ had to go to bed early. We have to wake up early to get him to the church for his Scout Day Camp tomorrow. I expected him to complain a lot more than he did when he had to go to bed and the sun was still up! I walked in 1o minutes after sending him to bed and this is what I found – so hopefully he’ll get lots of sleep and be happy for tomorrow!

And here is my weekly layout:
I used my Sweet Summer Sun, Lilac Spring & Digital 365 to create this layout!

Project 365 | Week 49

Monday, November 30, 2009

For Family Home Evening tonight we put up our Christmas tree. It’s just a small 4 1/2 foot tall artificial tree, but it works nicely in our little trailer. We put it up on a storage bucket and it works great. I love blue and silver together and so once again we used the same decorations we have had for years for our blue/white/silver tree. The kids had so much fun putting the ornaments on too. And for the first time in 5 years, I put out my Precious Moments Nativity. The kids were young and I was afraid they would break them and I haven’t really had a place to put it so I haven’t put it out. But this year, it worked great under the tree on the storage box and the kids seem to stay away from it – and so it’s there. I’m so glad – I have missed it and it really reminds me of the real reason for Christmas. For the FHE lesson we talked about the 2nd Article of Faith and started memorizing it. I’m so proud of my kids for getting the 1st one down!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

I can’t believe it is December 1st already and the weather has really started to feel like winter is coming! Beth has even broke out her heavier coat, gloves and hat! She thinks it is time for it snow! 🙂

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Another one of those special moments where the kids were playing so good together and even sharing the chair as they watched a movie before bed. I so love it when they are good to one another!

Thursday, December 3, 2009

My kids are definitely ready for Christmas to be here already and the season is just starting. I know they are dreaming of lots of presents, but I hope I can instill in them the real reason for Christmas.

Tonight Joey and I went to see The Blind Side and it was an amazing story. I loved the movie and I loved being with my hubby.

Friday, December 4, 2009

The kids wrote their very first letters to Santa today. I helped them spell the words but they each wrote it all by themselves. So cute!

Saturday, December 5, 2009

My beautiful new niece was born today. Cody and Becki did really well! Mallory Marie Sorensen was born at 5:16pm and weighed 5 lbs 13 oz and 19 inches tall. She is so tiny, so sweet and has us all wrapped around her little finger already. I was able to spend a few minutes with Cody and Becki this afternoon before she was born (running some errands for them and taking Cody some lunch) and then later after the kids were in bed I was able to go over to the hospital and hold little Mallory. I can’t wait for my kids to meet their new little cousin! And yes Mallory – you have made me baby hungry tonight!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

The kids and I were able to go over to the hospital tonight so that the kids could meet Mallory. They loved being able to hold her and give her kisses. Uncle Cody and Aunt Becki have been so wonderful to JJ & Beth. They are definitely their favorite Aunt/Uncle right now and so this was an extra special time that we got to spend with them at the hospital. I knew Beth would be so excited about her new cousin, but I was very pleasantly surprised to see JJ’s reaction. He was so cute with Mallory and I can really tell that these 2 want a new baby in the family. 🙂

Project 365 | Week 48

Monday, November 23, 2009
Bethie’s last day of school this week and they got to have a little Thanksgiving dinner. She had way fun and I thought she looked so adorable in the little pilgrim bonnets/hats that they made!

Tuesday, November 24, 2009
All packed up to head home to Orderville for Thanksgiving. JJ had his last day of school for the week and when Joey got home from work we drove down.

Wednesday, November 25, 2009
My mom and I spent today doing all the food preparations for tomorrow’s feast. It was nice to do it today so we could have tomorrow to just be together as a family. My main focus was to make our family’s traditional egg noodles (from my Grandma Sorensen’s recipe). Everytime I make these I think of my Grandma and how much I miss her. I hope she is happy where she is and proud of her family. As my mom and I made food we had a great little visit and made plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was very nice to be there in the home I grew up in and just be with family.

Thursday, November 26, 2009
Today we had our first Thanksgiving dinner in my sister Kori’s home. She and her family have restored my Great-Grandpa and Great-Grandma Esplin’s home and its so beautiful. I’m so happy for her and her family to have this wonderful home to live in and its wonderful that the old home can be used again. We have been having our Thanksgiving dinners out in the barn every year because it was the only place we could fit us all, but now Kori has this wonderful big home that she shared with us this year. I loved having all of us together. It was good to see Charity – I haven’t seen her in awhile and she is looking good and she and her kids have moved into a nice trailer, so I’m glad things are going well for her.

Friday, November 27, 2009
Since I didn’t get any pictures today, since we just drove back to Orem, I decided to share what else we did yesterday. After our Thanksgiving dinner, we helped Kori and her family put up their lights. Okay, so mostly we just visited and laughed as others did it – but it was a hoot. So how many people does it take to get the lights up on the house – well there was Ray to hold the rope that was attached to Colby so he wouldn’t fall (the roof was very slippery and steep), Kori to help with the rope on the roof, and Joey and Austin to provide moral support. LOL After getting the lights put up and playing more at Grandma’s, we had dessert at Grandma’s and then went back to the house for the lighting of the old house! We visited a little more and Beth got to have her very first sleepover – with Whitnee! She did so good. We also watched a movie with my Dad – which is always a wonderful tradition!

Saturday, November 28, 2009
Today was our niece’s wedding day. I can’t believe that Chelsea and Alicia are old enough to be married, but they are. It was nice to have Joey’s parents come and visit with us and good to have most of the family together for awhile. The wedding was nice and it was very beautiful with the Christmas decorations. Some good food too. Congratulations Chelsea!

Sunday, November 29, 2009
Last week, these huge giftbags were dropped off for the kids as an early Christmas gift. The kids wanted to open them then, but I decided it will be nice to wait to have another gift under the tree for Christmas. I feel so blessed that someone out there thought of my kids – thank you to whoever you are!