Marco Island Beach trip with Lacy- What a blast!!!

The City Park - the kids had so much fun playing in the water and making the ball float in the fountain.

















Hunter loved to play in the fort playground, running thru the maze. Check out the outfit... Hunter picked it out... He was just not matching that day. :)



















This was the view from the condo... OH MY GOSH IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. We were on the 15th floor so we could see so many different angles and the sunset was beautiful. It was heaven to wake up each morning and see the beautiful ocean, calm and crisp. We even got to see a couple lighting storms. I love to see storms over the ocean.














Lacy is such an amazing mom with patience and joy for her calling as a mother of these 2 beautiful children. You can just see from her face that she is such a proud mom. I loved our chats and girl time... it was fun to spend time with them.




















Some fun beach time with Hunter.... mommy and Hunter went looking for shells one evening. There was a nice breeze and I felt so calm and peaceful and was greatful for this time with my son.




Hunter loved to play in the pool much better than the ocean, the salt water seemed to bother him. He did enjoy making his boat float in the ocean.





















Crazy kids having fun... Emily came down for the day with Jocelyn she fit right in with all the kids. They had a great time playing.... Oh nice finger in the nose Hunter... LOL :) Glady's and her family where also there. Glady's and Joe (mom and Dad) where both there, Hunter called them granny and papa, he just made them part of the family. Hunter and I had such a great time spending time with the Lowry's. They are an amazing family.















The boys playing football on the beach...

Mudding Madness!!

Hunter loves to ride his 4-wheeler around the yard, but today I caught him.... breaking loose and doing some mud boggin in the dirt road in front of our house. This was so amusing to me to see my little guy out in the MUD in his NICE polo shirt, underwear, NO SHOES AND NO SHORTS.... helloooo. What are the neighbors gonna think. Mom came to the rescue to pull him out. He was big trouble for going in the road but he sure did have a fun time playing in the mud.

Hunter's creative side

I heard Hunter in the office one afternoon just talking away and I peeked my head in and this is what I found... he had decorated his firetruck with all his stickers. It was so cute to see how creative he was. Hunter loves to color and show mommy and daddy his accomplished project.

My Young Woman Girls Sleep Over

The girls came over to learn how to make "Heidi Russell's famous sausage stars" and pie on Wednesday night. The sausage stars were a HIT! By the end of the night we had a slumber party planned for the next night. So all the girls came back over on Thursday for a girls sleepover, fun filled night of fireworks, movies and riding the 4-wheeler... slow of course. We watched movies and ate, ate ,ate,.... Ashlea Gooch and I crashed at 1 and the girls where just putting in another movie... ahh to be young and full of energy. It was a fun night.

Ahhh the joys of raising a BOY!

Hunter has quite the stong right arm.. he throws balls at the wall, knocks down mommies decorations & lamps and we can't forget throws shoes at mommy when driving, he even throws spoons at daddy when he get real mad... the one that tops them all is when Hunter is done with his sippy cup he says "here mommy and the cup comes flying at you 100 mph" now I ask you how can I get mad at this face... then on Sunday he drew on the wall with MARKERS.. oh yeah that was fun to clean up at least they where washable for the most part. Ahhh to have a boy!!! I just love being the mommy of a stong, healthy, happy little boy that is full of life and loves to just have fun.

Alicia Today

The question was asked to me what makes Alicia tic? That is a dang good question. So I thought hummm I really didn't know. I use to like beach volleyball when I was TWENTY ONE! Racketball... humm - I would get out of breath now.. I use to like to crosstich, no time for that now. I use to enjoy laying out at the pool.. not so much any more I have to many other things I could be doing. So the question is.. what do I like?!?! Have you ever thought about that? I'm sure not the same person that I was 10 years ago. I have grown, spiritually, mentally and 10 pounds heavier. (not so happy about that - but that is another blog all together - LOL). So here I am trying to figure out ALicia. These are the sweet things I do enjoy now at 34 yrs old.
1. My son walking into my room in the morning and smiling.
2. Meeting friends at the pool to let Hunter swim and talk about kids stories and life.
3. Quiet time by myself... I treasure that now a days. I didn't think I would like that as much but I sure do enjoy being by myself.
4. A fun conversation on the phone with my sisters and girlfriends.
5. A smile from my husband and a simple hug and touch on the back.
6. A good cry that makes me relize my blessings when going thru a trial.
7. Knowing that i'm needed and being able to serve others and see how I can make them happy.
8. Good mommy days.
9. Scrapbooking
10. Reading a good story in the ensign that makes me cry... I'm a softy, I love uplifting books and stories. Really feeling the spirit enlighten my day and life.
11. A dang GOOD movie. (haven't seen one of those in awhile) :(
12. I enjoy getting dressed up and looking pretty. It boost my confidence.
13. blogging and reading my friends blog
14. Having get togethers, it's a ton of work but I love to make a fun night out of it. I love to use my creative talkents. ( learned to host from my girlfriends.. thanks ladies for all the ideas)
15. Cuddling with my honey... reminds me of when we dated.
16. Mowing my yard... there is nothing better then a fresh mowed yard what an accomplishment to see it look so nice and cut. ( i'm silly I know)
17. Watching my favoriate TV shows
18. Spending time with my brothers and sisters and extended family.
19. A clean house... I soooo love to clean the house and then walk thru and see my accomplishment. It is funny to see what makes you happy.
20. Hearing laughter from my living room when Hunter and Steve are playing.

What makes you tic?!?!

We Are Family - All My Brothers, Sister's and ME!

The Gang at the Orlando Temple















Grandma and Papa Mcfaddin with Jackson and Hunter

My older brother Paul was Jason's escort and they were being silly showing off the tag.

Always a party with my family. We always have a good time no matter what. :)

Dad, Jason and Paul are below.

Twins!!! Jason and Audrey the babies of the family.... LOL they are the tallest and cutest out of all of us. Mom and Dad saved the best for last. We love you guys!

Grandma McFaddin and Hunter

Hunter and His Uncle Jason

This is all of Alicia's Siblings. Ya think we look alike?!?!?! Our brother Jason got his endowments and we were just happy and excited to be there with him to share this special day. Jason is going to Peru.

Hangin with my Honey

Like Father Like Son

I couldn't resist taking this picture! It was so dang cute to me. Hunter loves to be outside with his daddy anytime he can. Steve was mowing the yard and Hunter was right there behind him on his 4-wheeler. Daddy little buddy.

Our Silly Sister Birthday Bash!

This is a picture of ALL the sister's in my family... We missed you Jacqueline and Audrey at the birthday bash night, it just wasn't the same with out you!! I'm up for doing it again?!?!?! :) LOL
Bethany, Alicia, Emily - Out at TGIFriday's celebrating Emily's B-Day.


I haven't laughed so hard as I did the other night out with my sisters. We celebrated Emily's birthday at TGI Fridays. We munched on the Fridays sampler and picked 3 delicious dessets and shared them. They sang to her and we just laughed, joked, and chatted up the night. We also took some fun pics of us being silly, who else in the world can you be this silly with and it be o.k... We didn't have a care in the world that night it was so nice to just be free to have fun and relax. I just love these ladies they are my best friends. We are truly blessed to have each other.
Happy Birthday Emily!!!

On the road AGAIN!!!!

Yep, we are on the road again! I tell ya we just can't stay home. This weekend Steve, Hunter and Alicia went to Tampa to spend some time with Steve's Granny who is 92. She is so sweet and wonderful. We love all getting together with family at her home. Steve got to spend some time talking with her and he said as she talked she held his hand it was so genuine and a special memory. Granny loves to tell stories so she could be talking to ya all day. We also celebrated Grace's birthday.. she is so dang cute.. Grace turned 3 and Hunter just loves her. They had a great time playing. We also got to visit the St. Louis Whites. (steve's oldest brothers family) We miss them a ton so this really was a fun filled time with cousins, aunts, uncles, Nana and Papa). We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our lives!

Father's Day Fun!

We had a great day celebrating daddy! Hunter picked out the perfect basketball hoop so they can play together and mommy cooked a special breakfast and dinner. It was hard to keep it all a secret, Hunter kept saying things about the balloon and hoop.. Steve was totally surprised still so it was fun. Hunter walked daddy into the living room with his eyes closed and then yelled surprise.. it was so dang cute. Hunter loves to make cards so he made daddy several cards. Steve is such an amazing dad and shows so much love to Hunter. We are blessed to have such a fun loving daddy! Happy Father's day Steve.

Fridge Mania

You guessed it.... The other day I came into the kitchen only to find Hunter thinking and staring down all the food in the fridge. Hunter has figured out that he can open the fridge and get whatever his little heart desires. You see he is in the freezer... he spotted the ICECREAM... Oh boy are we in trouble. Now when I'm around the house I can hear him checking out his breakfast,lunch, dinner & snack selection... Mommy and Daddy's big boy!

I learn something new every day!!

I have learned how to blanch food. yahooo!!! We are so blessed with a garden... that gives us LOTS of food. So much food that I needed to learn how to store it. Ya just can't freeze it.. it doesn't work that way, I learned the hard way with ice on our last years veggies. Hummmmm So I chatted with my friend Lauren about Blanching food and between her and I that didn't get me quit what needed so on to calling my mom. She gave me all the details... and a paper for future foods. It was pretty cool. You just cut up the food put it in boiling HOT water for 3 mins then 3 mins in ICE COLD water. Dry it off and put it in storage bags. It is pretty cool that we have veggies stored for awhile. I surprise myself sometimes when I do this kind of stuff.. I feel like a pioneer woman... that little homemaker that I am. LOL

This might just be my answer?!?!?

April 2008 LDS General Conference talk
"Daughters of God"- Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

What can you do, as a young mother, to reduce the pressure and enjoy your family more?

First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. . . . I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.

Second, don’t over schedule yourselves or your children. We live in a world that is filled with options. If we are not careful, we will find every minute jammed with social events, classes, exercise time, book clubs, scrap booking, Church callings, music, sports, the Internet, and our favorite TV shows. Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.

Third, even as you try to cut out the extra commitments, sisters, find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests. Pick one or two things that you would like to learn or do that will enrich your life, and make time for them. Water cannot be drawn from an empty well, and if you are not setting aside a little time for what replenishes you, you will have less and less to give to others, even to your children.

Fourth, pray, study, and teach the gospel. Pray deeply about your children and about your role as a mother. There is great power in a prayer that essentially says, “We are steward-parents over Thy children, Father; please help us to raise them as Thou wouldst want them raised."

Summer fun with Hunter - Free Movies

Hunter and Mommy are going to go on movie dates this summer. Regal Cinemas shows FREE movies all summer... here is the link. Have fun at the movies.
http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx

New calling in Church!!

The past year in church I have been teaching the gospel doctrine class.. it was rewarding to learn the scriptures and gain a stronger testimony on the other hand I was so scared to teach adults, I felt like they knew so much more than I could ever teach.. it was very intimadating, and embarrassing when I did cry. To my surprise this Sunday I was called to be the first counsler in the Young Womens Presidency. I will be working with the miamaids (14-15 yr old). I'm so excited to grow and love these young woman. I also desire to become a more valient mom, sister, friend, wife and daughter of god. I hope I can be an example for these young woman and strenghten there testimonies and HAVE SOME FUN. What a great gift and blessing this is in my life, just knowing this is where the lord wants me is pretty cool to me. What a fun new chapter ahead. :) AND I CAN CRY IN YOUNG WOMAN'S>> it won't be so bad in front of girls... ;) LOL!











The theme for the young woman is:

We are daughters of our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and we love Him. We will “stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places” (Mosiah 18:9) as we strive to live the Young Women values, which are:

Faith
Divine Nature
Individual Worth
Knowledge
Choice and Accountability
Good Works and
Integrity

We believe as we come to accept and act upon these values,
we will be prepared to
strengthen home and family,
make and keep sacred covenants,
receive the ordinances of the temple,
and enjoy the blessings of exaltation.

Rollercoaster of motherhood!!!

What a rollercoaster of emotions I go thru as a mom. I feel sometimes that I struggle SO much having frustration and happiness, .... and today I just cryed it seemed to be the only thing that did make sense. My little guy is going thru the toughest time with Hitting and yelling back at mommy (not to mention other kids) and today was just the straw that broke mommies back. Hunter hit mommy in the face and I just was so frustrated and helpless in what to do. I just wanted to walk away and keep walking, my heart just hurts. Yet the other day Hunter wasn't feeling good and all he wanted was mommy to hold him and rock (which is very rare, he is always on the go) and I just loved and treasured that time that he needed me and wanted me. I know this little guy is learning and growing trying to figure out his emotions... I just pray that I will get thru this season of child raising with flying colors, my sister said to me the other day that we only have one chance to raise our children.. boy this has got to be easier than this... Thanks for letting me vent.. I just had to get it out and have a good mommy cry.

Hangin with the Blackwelders!

Hunter had a blast with his cousins, playing in the pool, riding the 4-wheeler and doing fun crafts. Alicia and Bethany enjoyed fun sister talks. We even had papa come over and play with the kids and then a fun game of spads with Steve, Bethany, Dad and Alicia. (Steve and Alicia won - yahoo!) I sure miss my sister a ton.. so I enjoy our times when we can just enjoy fun times together.

Compromise in Marriage

So this is the deal, I have been throwing out the idea of a pool to Steve for a month or so because it is so hot.... I said we could have it built by next summer if we plan for it and he said yeaaaaah we can start talking about it next summer... hummm I don't think my idea worked.. SO this is what we have ended up with. Happy Swimming! P.S. it is bigger than last year!! LOL

Steve's got the green thumb in the family!

Check out our new garden, We have corn, green beans, squash, & zucchini. This is Steve's passion... that along with Hunting & FSU football. Steve picks all the food every day and doesn't want me to worry about (I think he just doesn't want me touching his precious little garden)... hummm that works out good for me I guess one less thing to worry about.... Enjoy the pics...