Happy Birthday Sweet Haley

Steve and I can't believe it has been 5 yrs since we brought our baby girl into this world only to realize that instead of us watching over her she would be watching over us from Heaven. As I sit and think about how this week I should be planning a big birthday bash for my daughter's 5th birthday, yet instead I sit and wonder what kind of little girl would she be, what would she look like, to hear her laugh, would she want a princess party or a 4-wheeling party (you never know Steve is her dad, he would have her hunting and fishing):). What would be her favorite shows,songs, toys, and clothes. Would she love to dance, play dressup or just get rough and tough in the front yard? I see friends who have had little kids the same age as her and I just wonder and can't help but think who would our little girl be today. A little sassy attitude i'm sure(maybe she got that attitude from her mom :) and of course a hug for daddy! What would it be like just having her in our lives, raising her and having her tease her little brother. Words cannot express how much we miss & love our little girl... Happy Birthday little Haley Faith, we know you are in good hands with Papa Robert and your Heavenly Father. Our family will always have an angel watching over and amoung us.

- ANGELS AMOUNG US -
I was walking home from school on a cold winter's day
Took a shortcut through the woods and I lost my way
It was getting late and I was scared and alone
Then a kind old man took my hand and led me home
Mama couldn't see him, but he was standing there
But I knew in my heart, he was the answer to my prayers

Oh I believe there are angels among us
Sent down to us from somewhere up above
They come to you and me in our darkest hours
To show us how to live
To teach us how to give
To guide us with a light of love

When life dealt troubled times and had me down on my knees
There's always been someone there to come along and comfort me
A kind word from a stranger to lend a helping hand
A phone call from a friend just to say I understand
Ain't it kind of funny at the dark end of the road
Someone lights the way with just a single ray of hope

They wear so many faces
Show up in the strangest places
Grace us with their mercy
In our time of need

Beach Bash In NOVEMBER- gotta love living in Florida!

So my friend Lauren and I were chatting it up on the phone one afternoon and we decided we wanted a change of scenery... with the help of Ashlea and Chris my sister in laws dad they totally hooked us up with a condo on the beach for 3 days. It was awesome... the kids had a blast and we enjoyed the fresh air smell of the beach, the sunny skies and the hot tub. Hunter had the best time playing with all the towers kids. He loved waking up and knowing they where there to play. I loved the girl chats with Lauren we had on the beach and when the kids went to bed. It was a fun time for everyone. I just think it is so neat for these kids to grow up together and have lasting relationship. Way cool! We love ya Towers Family! P.S. YES THE WATER WAS FREEZING - THAT SURE DIDN'T STOP THEM.

Our little FEVERISH Fireman - No trick or treating this year :(

Our little fireman got a fever thursday night and it really wiped him out. Hunter is such an active kid so it was sad to see him so sick. He just layed on the couch with all his special toys and nigh nights. It is hard for mommies to see there kids sick... it does thou give mommies cuddle time Hunter loves to cuddle with his mommy when he doesn't feel good.



Hunter had fun wearing his costume around the house. What a bummer that he got sick. He asked a couple of times when we were going to get candy with Joseph. We had planned on going trick or treating with the Lowry family. What a bummer.. there is always next year. We hope you all had a spooktacler halloween.


Mommy catching a nap with hunter. Check out those sexy flannel cow jammies.... LOL - they really are so comfy (thanks Iris).

A fun filled Halloween Eve ....

Hunter had a Halloween program at Joy School, Mommy and daddy both got to come and see Hunter sing and all the kids made a cute plate of goodies and wore there halloween custome. Hunter and his buddy Gordon wore adorable matching pumpkin shirts that Gordon's mom Lauren made. Thanks Lauren!! The fun didn't stop there...Gordon got to come over and play with us. They wrestled, laughed, jumped and watched movies all afternoon. They both made sure that ALicia knew they did not want to take naps. What a busy afternoon and a fun day!






Way cute boys!










I do belive Hunter is holding on to the ball for dear life...Gordons got him by the feet. Rough and tough boys! Alicia was laughing so hard when she took this picture... you should have heard the boys giggling. It was sweet.

Gator Homecoming

What are we thinking!!!! Pouring down rain.. 3 pregnant moms and Keri past her due date. Was it that we must be die hard gators or just really great moms... Hunter and Alicia got to hang out with the Tripp, Willis and Daniels family on Friday for the homecoming parade. It did rain off and on but it was fun for the kids... Hunter loved doing the gator chomp and playing in the puddles. Go Gators!

Loving the Lowry Family!!

Our family just wanted to give a huge thanks to the Lowry family... Lacy and Joe spent there Saturday morning watching Hunter while Alicia and her sister went out to breakfast and ran some errands. IT WAS A MUCH NEEDED MOMMY MORNING OFF!!!! It meant so much to Steve and Alicia that they loved our little guy to spend there family Saturday morning with him playing at there home, taking him bike riding, feeding him and hunter just adores Joseph and Millie not to mention Mrs. Lacy.... Steve was out of town so Alicia was flying solo... really we appreciated the time you gave Alicia to breath and have some fun sister time. Thanks again Joe and Lacy you are such an amaizing family!! We love you guys. (p.s. Hope you don't mind I stole a picture off of your blog of your family)

Flirting instead of Playing

Focus on the game son!





Good Kick Hunter! Hunter has his own cheerleader...

Hunter had soccer saturday morning and it was a game against the grey team. We were all excited to see him kick and score goals. When we got to the field he was all ready kicking the soccer ball, running, he had his gear on and we were ready for fun game... and then.... the blond girl showed up. Oh yeah! The blond.... instead of playing Hunter hungout talking to the older blond girl. It was cute thou she would ask him if he wanted a drink, did he want to practice with her... man he is a ladies man already. Focus Son... we are here for SOCCER! Boy are we in trouble side tracked by girls all ready.

Monster Truck Show

My sister Audrey was in town this weekend. She is a city girl so we thought for sure we could make a redneck country girl out of her in no time. So Hunter and Alicia took her to the Gainesville race Track to a Monster truck show and motorcycle show. Audrey thought they were great! Here favoriate one was "bad news travels fast" . Hunter on the other hand didn't like it at all this time... he was scared of the loud monster trucks. I think we will stick to just watching them on DVD. It was a cold night so we headed out after and hour but it was fun to see the motorclycles do stunts and the monster trucks crush cars. First time for everything I guess, my sis had a good time.

Check out my boots ... Girls just love country boys!

Who knew Quiche would make you feel so good!

Last week Alicia hit here crazy breaking point... pregnant, sick & exhausted also raising a 3 yr old... this was the day it all exploded. I will spare you all the details... but to sum it up... mommy and Hunter were both crying as Hunter was suppose to be going to Joy School and all he wanted to do was take in his hummer... THAT I MIGHT ADD IS AS BIG AS HIM. He wanted to show it to all the kids. I thought it was funny when my doctor said a "3 yr old is just a 2yr old with experience" holy cow it is so true they know exactly what gets to mommy and daddy. Needless to say by the time all the moms where dropping off there kids at school Alicia was struggling getting Hunter to the door. And then snap the tears came running down.. I felt like my life was a tornado just spinning around. All I wanted to do was go back to bed. My dear friend Lauren helped me with getting Hunter to the door and then a great pep talk and off I went to bed. The best call ever was when Lauren called and said she had Quiche for our family that her wonderful mom made. I tell you that just made the day all better.. I didn't have to cook and the Quiche was so GOOD!!! To tell ya the truth I ate almost all of it.... Steve didn't feel good so I had his piece for breakfast... who knew a Quiche could make everything all better. That was the BEST Quiche I have ever had!!! Thanks Lauren and her Mom, you truely put a smile on our families faces and warmed tummy's. (you should post the recipe)

Happy Belated Birthday Steve

Steve turned 29 this year.... Happy Birthday Babe!

On Steve's actual birthday September 29th Alicia was so sick (pregnancy). So instead of a Happy birthday is was a crazy day. So the other day Hunter and Mommy went to Publix and Hunter picked out for his daddy some cupcakes, a lighting McQueen balloon and some candy. Hunter was very picky with what he wanted to get daddy for his birthday he even picked out the other colored balloons. So off we went to surprise daddy at work. We sang happy birthday and ate cupcakes. Next year will have a to be a big bash he will be turning the big 30!

Can we go for a ride mom?!?!? PLEASE!!?

Amelia Island Family Vacation

We were able to stay at Steve's realitives beach house, it was great and very relaxing!!! It was only 5 min from downtown Amelia Island, fun shops, good food and we saw the best sunset ever while we ate some good pizza. At the pier there was a 9 million dollar yacht... oh yeah... 9 million!! It was huge! Ah to be rich!!! We had a nice time walking around downtown. It was some much needed family time... we enjoyed waking up at the beach.
http://www.ameliaisland.com/

Daddy and Hunter where all ready to build sand castles and play in the sand.










Down the beach they were doing construction on the beach.. they were trying to fix the errosion problem. Of course Hunter was the happiest little kid ever to see a big front loader.










Our family had fun playing in the water and just spending time together... no phones ringing, no internet, just us having family time.... of course there was T.V. Steve had to watch his football games. ;) and Alicia took naps... ahhh naps. :)












Guy time!

Exciting News!!

HUNTER IS GOING TO BE A BIG BROTHER!!!! Steve, Alicia & Hunter are so excited to share the fun news with all our family and friends that we are expecting a baby in May! The first doctors visit was exciting to meet a new doctor and see the babies heart beat. Here is a link below of how the baby develops and the stage we are at. Hunter is excited to be a big brother... the other day Alicia said her tummy was sick and Hunter said his baby tummy was sick also. It was so cute! He is going to be the best big brother ever. We are happy to share this special journey with all of our special loved ones!

http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/pregnancy/calendar/week/7

Hunter 1st Dentist Appt....

Hunter did really great for his first dental cleaning and checkup. They said that they didn't see any signs of cavities and that he had a great set of teeth. Yeah!!


Hunter told Mrs. Debbie all about how he brushes his monster trucks and 4-wheelers out of his mouth. Everything is monster trucks with Hunter.














Hunter got a big prize because he did so good for the doctor and sat still.

Hunter's new dentist. We went to Tioga Dental.

Mrs. Debbie did a great job talking to Hunter and as you can see Hunter was very comfortable with his signature arm behind his neck look... :) At first thou he told her he was NOT wearing the glasses it was so funny to watch him. Of course Mrs. Debbie convinced him otherwise.



















Can't forget the monster truck!!

Have you ever just stopped and looked at the sunset?

My family was coming home from Ft.Myers on Sunday night and we were just taken back with how beautiful the country and world is. It was breathtaking, I haven't seen a sunset like this in a long time. Life seems so busy sometimes.. it was nice just sitting still and riding in the car, enjoying the beautiful view and conversation with my honey Steve while Hunter slept.

My 2 soccer stars!

Our family has officially joined the sports world for kids. Hunter is a "Kangaroo Kicker" and Steve is the coach of the team... How cool is that?!?! Steve was a little nervous about it, he said how do you teach 8 3 yr old to play soccer but he did great. They actually where organized and practiced kicking to the goal, running and kicking and just plan having some fun. I'm so excited for this stage in Hunter's life. He can use all those athletic skils. I have always wanted to be a soccer mom! Yeah! They put me in charge of all the parents - organzing trophies and calling parents- this kinda stuff if right up my alley. I'm the coaches wife..way cool!! (wink) ;)

I can't Sleep!!

Have you ever had those nights where you wake up to pee like 3 times... toss and turn ALL night and your mind just takes over. This is me tonight. Actually lately lots of night. What is going on is is a full moon.

Well tonight all I could think about was this book I was reading by Sherry L Dew and the chapter is "THIS IS ONLY A TEST" - I look at my life and others lives and just don't understand some of the trials we have been put thru and the pain that comes with it. Yet lately i'm seeing the rewards of some of the trials that my family has endured. There really is light at the end of the tunnel....If that makes sense. This is a quote out of the book that I really liked.

" President George Q. Cannon -No Matter how serious the trial, how deep the distress, how great the affliction, GOD will never desert us. He never has , and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not his character. He is an unchangeable being, the same yesterday, the same today, and he will be the same throughout the eternal ages to come.. we may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from ALL the trials and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep his commandments. THIS LIFE IS A TEST, BUT ONLY A TEST!."

Then of course they have the scripture 2 Nephi 2:11 "it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things, if not so ... righteousness could not be brought to pass, neither wickedness, neither holines nor misery, neither good nor bad. Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one".

It is interesting to me how when the trials seem the hardest for me it is hard to turn to the lord, and I have questioned my faith and asked why before not understanding the tragic and sad times...and then as I continued to read the next paragraph said:
Each experience with the Savior leads to greater faith, and as our faith increases, our vision of and confidence about who we are grows clearer. Satan whispers that life's not fair and would have us question the gospel. Bad things shouldn't happen to good members of the church, should they? Well the answer reads: The gospel isn't a guarantee against tribulation. This would be like a test with no questions. Rather, the gospel is a GUIDE for maneuvering through the challanges of life with a sense of purpose and direction. The lord feels all of our cries and saddness.

I remember a special friend told me that our religion is based on faith and that is the only thing we have to go on. Working thru sadness and trials and having faith that is will be o.k. Wow! Along with faith we are given the Holy Ghost and D&C 11:13: "just one of the many gifts that the Holy Ghost provides he - inspires tenderness and humility strengthens us during trials and brings comfort and peace; enhances any natural abilites we have, helps us obey, enlightens our minds and fills our soul with joy. The presence of this gift if foundational to our faith. So when I read this chapter it just made sense, it just all came together.

The end of the chapter it said - More than ever before the lord needs our faith and faithfulness, our viality and ingenuity, our unwavering commitement and conviction. We are witnesses of the lord Jesus Christ, the living capstone of all that has come before us and and VITAL link to all that lies ahead... yes this life is a test, It is also a glorious privilege.

Kind of alot... sorry... So that what was on my mind... I guess I can go to sleep now... my mind is clear. (thanks Emily for suggesting the book) :)

A funny night!

So imagine it is 1:45 in the morning!! You are sound asleep dreaming wonderful dreams and all of a sudden a loud long piercing noise rings out in your bedroom...... i'm totally laughing out loud right now because I have never seen Steve jump up so fast out of bed. I'm telling you it was so dang funny. Our fire alarm had gone off, so of course Steve checked the whole house making sure Hunter was o.k. and there wasn't any fire. We were glad that there wasn't anything wrong but Steve was so ticked that he took the fire alarm down. I haven't laughed so hard like that in quit awhile. I felt bad Steve just wanted to go to bed and all I could do is giggle. I guess it is time to change the batteries. Needless to say we didn't get back to sleep for a long time. What a night. LOL :)