The Mauss Family

CHEESE!

2011-09-07T21:34:00.000-06:00

Hayes is hilarious! Everytime I put the camera up to take a picture this is the "cheese" face he gives me...while he is YELLING "cheese". He is growing up so fast! I just can't get enough of his cute face!

Summer FUN!

2011-09-07T21:19:00.000-06:00

I am dying that summer is already coming to an end! We had such a great summer!

We enjoyed time at the Church History Museum. It is small, but really fun. The kids loved it!

Walker and Jack really loved the dancing part.

Walker loves music! He was loving wearing the headphones and checking out all the sounds.

Every Monday night we would head up the canyon for some tin foil dinners and smores. Walker and Hayes really looked forward to it each week!

Walker and Bowen - best friends and super silly!

climbing all the rocks up the canyon! They had such a great time!

Walker played in a summer tee ball league with lots of friends! Luke, Bowen, Ellie Mauss and Avery Smith. Uncle Justin was the coach!

The boys LOVED the farm at Thanksgiving Point. They couldn't get enough of feeding the goats and riding the pony's. We had such a great time! We really need to get back there!

We went on a wagon ride too!

It was so much fun that Hayes could get in on all the action. He and Walker are best of friends! I am loving their ages right now. Hayes follows everything Walker does.

4th Of July

2011-09-07T16:06:00.000-06:00

Celebrating the 4th of July is always so much fun! We love being able to watch the fireworks that Sugarhouse Park lets off right from our back yard! We had lots of family and friends join us!

Earlier that evening we did a few of our own fireworks. Hayes was loving them!

Walker however, was not. Can you see him in the corner of the window? He stayed inside most of the time. Then Grammy Mare saved him and they made it out to the porch!

That morning we had a really fun bike parade in our neighborhood! Walker loved decorating he new bike and following the crowd around the block. My cute neighbor handed out homemade ice cream bars! It was a blast! I can't believe how many kids we have in our neighborhood!

Swimming Lessons - Part One

2011-07-03T13:53:00.002-06:00

Oh man I was NERVOUS for this time of year to come. I can count on one had how many times Walker has been in a pool when we have gone swimming! He just dosen't like the water. Now that Hayes is running all over the place I just had to make sure Walker was able to be ok in the water.

We put him in a 2 week semi-private lesson. He struggled the first 3 days. The funny thing is he would cry but the minute I would walk out of his sight - he was volunteering to go first every time the teacher would ask. Carmen is his best buddy and they did great swimming togther.

Don't you love Carmen's goggles...SO CUTE!

Miss. Rochelle was great! Highly recommend her! He was really shy at first but by the second week
he was swimming under water to her, floating on his back without the teachers help, and jumping
off the side of the pool.

I am just trying to keep this guy in my sight. He is all over the place! I forgot how busy they are at this age - exploring everything! He was a trooper to come and sit for 30 minutes and watch Walker swim.

I am happy to report that we went swimming last weekend in Park City with my family - Walker was the first one in the pool and he played for a long time! He kept showing us all his new swimming moves. Good work buddy! Next session starts next week!

Happy Birthday Walker

2011-07-03T13:37:00.000-06:00

We had such a fun time planning Walker's "first official friend birthday party" He wanted to do a Pirate theme - he loves Jake and the Neverland Pirates. ( I am sure we have all seen the show:)) He had a list of 16 kids - well I had to cut it down to 16 - wowsers!! It was time to put my semi-crafty skills to good use!

We decided to do a message in a bottle as the invite. Empty water bottles - check! The invite inside was super cute - it was a message telling the kids where to come. We burned the edges to make it look like a real treasure map. Props to Jake for doing that!

A super HUGE thanks to many friends around the valley for letting me steal your Huggies wipes cases! I painted them brown and added each childs name on top hoping they would look like treasure chest boxes.

I think they turned out pretty cute! It was a lot of work - but well worth it in the end! Each child decorated their own box and took it home with goodies inside!

Super cute kiddos decorating their boxes with Pirate stickers!

The kids really loved them. I had lots of moms tell me that their child carried

that thing around for at least a week!

We did tattoo's, wore pirate hats, eye patches and had skeleton whistles. For our game we "walked the plank" We set up a kids swimming pool filled with water and had a board over the top that you could walk on. The water was filled with creatures and sharks! AHHH!

Walker got lots of great presents! He was so excited.

Our cake was SO cute! I wanted to make my own - but man I ran right out of time! Appreciate Walmart and their cupcake cakes!

We also had a pinata - the kids LOVED IT! I was sad that the treasure chest box was sold out - so I had to go with this pirate guy. He looks kinda creepy. But it did the job. We filled it with treats, gold coins, and fun treasures.

And she broke. Mad dash for the candy! Finally hitter #16 broke it!

ARRRRR! The kids had such a great time and Walker loved having them over. He keeps asking if he can have another party with all his friends. Maybe next year buddy - mommy needs a rest!

We gave Walker a "big boy" bike for his birthday. He loves to ride it! He still loves his orange Kettler tricycle but he is "letting Hayes borrow it until he gets bigger" Thanks for sharing buddy!

I would also like to thank my cute friend Lindy...she brought a Diet Coke to me while I was hosting the party. Something every gal needs after 16 crazy kids!

Boondocks, you are on next year for planning the 5th Birthday Party!:)

It's better without clothes...

2011-06-01T15:00:00.001-06:00

The other day when it was nice Walker was so excited to get his sink out and play in the water.

So we busted it out. They had the best time!

After a while they came up front looking like this. "Mom we got all wet"

Walker had his underwear on and had put his sock and shoes back on. They played
outside almost the rest of the day like this. Walker kept telling me how much fun it was to play
outside in his underwear!

They are so cute! I LOVE that they are playing together so well. Walker is always asking for Hayes and Hayes is always following Walker around.

I love this little guy! He is getting so big.

Preschool Graduation!

2011-06-01T14:48:00.000-06:00

Is this really true? Walker graduated from his first year of preschool. I am dying! Where did the year go?

I was so proud of Walker at his graduation! He sang every song, did all the actions, and even memorized his very own part! He has loved going to KinderLove preschool and Miss Denise is an ANGEL!

The theme was "Marvelous Me" She asked the kids to dress "fancy". Walker was HILARIOUS - everytime I would say "we have to dress fancy" he would say "Mom, stop saying fancy!"

Walker and Carmen. They are best friends!

My handsome graduate! Love you so much buddy!

His speaking part. "Hi, My name is Walker. I am Marvelous because I love trains, I am a puzzle expert, I am friendly, and I love to sing" I have it on video, but it isn't the greatest quality.

Miss Denise! We are going to miss you!! I think she might be the nicest lady in the history of nice ladies!

Walker and Luke...so much fun in preschool together!

This is is "Marvelous Me" poster that he made!

Our family is growing so fast - sometimes I feel like it is passing us by! I love my two - or I mean three boys!

Easter Time

2011-04-25T21:40:00.000-06:00

"Easter time is the time for eggs and the time for eggs is Easter time!"

-Mimi

Jake's grandma has sang this little song for - ever! We taught it to Walker this year and he was loving it. He would sing it all the time! Easter was a crazy couple of days around here. We started off dying eggs at Megan's house (forgot my camera) and that was lots of fun! We went to the Easter egg hunt at Cactus and Tropicals on Saturday - Walker loved it. He got his stash of eggs and a temporary tattoo and he was excited to go home and show his dad! The next two days were filled with family and egg hunts!

Finding eggs at Cactus and Tropicals

Found lots of eggs. He was so excited!

Walker and Ashton - proud of their tattoo's!

Checking out what the Easter Bunny brought!

Searching for the hidden eggs. He found a few and then was done. I think he was all "hunted" out:)

Ashton, Walker and Boston. So excited for their Easter basket from Grammy Michelle and Papa Mike

Walker grandkids minus Beckham

Typical Hayes. He would find a few eggs...sit down and eat all the candy!

That kids had enough jelly beans to feed an army!

Walker and Jack

Mauss grandkids - ready for the hunt

Eating the candy again!!

Walker and Bowen

We had a fun filled, eventful weekend! My kids have enough candy for the rest of the year! Bad news for me...I am sure I will give in and eat plenty of it myself!

Soccer

2011-04-25T21:25:00.000-06:00

We put Walker in an indoor soccer league with his buddies Nick, Bowen and Luke. We had 8 games...he cried for the first 6. He didn't want to run around and get the ball from all the other kids. He wanted to be the only one kicking it. I just had to keep reminding myself he is only 3:) We then realized that he enjoyed being goalie...so he did great the last two games! The ball came to him, he picked it up, and threw it to his teammates! Thanks to Megan for being the coach! Good Times! Bring on Tee Ball!

Goalie Walker

Trophy...MVP (of tears that is)

Nick, Bowen and Walker

Treat time was the best time!

And he's off...

2011-04-04T10:36:00.000-06:00

Hayes is walking! It is so crazy. These last few months Hayes has really grown up. He has been walking now for about 3 weeks, but just the last week or so he has been walking all over instead of taking a few steps then crawling to his destination. I love when they first learn how to walk and they look like a zombie. Arms out and straight legs.

Nice work buddy - we are so proud of you. But can you stop getting so big so fast!?!

St George

2011-03-28T15:37:00.000-06:00

Oh St George how we love you! We took a little family va-ca in March down to St. George. It was so nice to get out of the nasty Salt Lake weather and get some sun shine down south! We picked a great weekend it was 75 the entire time! We wish my sisters and their families could have joined us - next time gals - but were were excited my mom and dad could make the trip. We did lots of fun stuff!

Because it was so warm...

we went to the park! I am pretty sure Walker has his hands up and is singing

"St George is the best place ever" Really folks...it is!

We rode our scooters. Even Hayes wanted in on the action.

and Hayes found the tissue box. Oopsie...

We played games with grammy and put together lots of puzzles. Walker LOVES my mom. He talks about her all the time. The other day he asked if she could live with us!

Boy was he tired! He didn't nap the whole time we were down there. One morning while Hayes was napping,Walker started to cry over something so small so my mom picked him up and he fell asleep in her arms. He NEVER does that!! I guess they say that happens when you are used to a 2 hour nap everyday!

We got ice cream! YUMMY! Hayes actually did really well with his own kiddie cone.

My anut and uncle live in St. George so it was so much fun to be able to hang out with them the entire time. I am so mad I didn't get any pictures of all of us! I don't get to see them that much..but we when we do get together...it is a blast! Walker was loving Hannah! We also went to my cousins (super cute 17 year old twin boys) ward basketball game. Honestly...it was INTENSE. I thought I was at a Jazz game! It was a sad overtime loss...but some great basketball was played! It was fun to see Matthew and Clarissa too. Down from Utah State relaxing over their spring break!

and the ride home...I expected this. It was one fun filled weekend. Shopping, eating out, golfing, riding scooters, getting into HOT cars (my fav), and just being crazy! We weren't even to Cedar yet. Tired couple of kiddos!

and our emergency stop! This was the first time we have "traveled" with Walker being potty trained! Good job buddy. He needed to go instantly so we had to pull over!

Oh St. George how I miss you. I am starting to realize that two HOT HOT months there is way better than 6 FREEZING cold months up here! I could for sure move there!

Happy St Patrick's Day!

2011-03-28T15:12:00.000-06:00

You betcha the leprachan came to our house on St Patricks Day!

He forgot to flush the toilet before he left!

He made green pancakes for us to eat for breakfast!

and he even left treats behind!

Walker was excited he left his foot prints so we could find out where his hidden treasure was.

Silly leprachan...all the goods were hiding under the wet bar sink downstairs!

1st Annual K.L Memorial Ski Day

2011-03-14T22:29:00.000-06:00

A big thanks to Zach for heading up a great day at Park City Mountain Resort in honor of Grandpa Mauss. Jake's grandpa passed away just over 3 years ago. He loved skiing and was a ski patrolman for Park City Mountain Resort and was also one of the first paid ski patrolman at Alta Ski Resort. All the family gathered together at the Struggler aka the condo and enjoyed a day of skiing, eating and hanging out!

Walker and Cade

Some of the kiddos getting ready to go skiing! Walker was excited!

The skiers

Zach, Justin, Jake, Brad, and Dan.

Josh and Alisha weren't there yet.

I enjoyed my day at the condo. I decided to stay up there and let Jake take another day to teach Walker how to ski. I had so much fun hanging out with Jill, Darbee, and Ryan and keeping my eyes on some of the smaller kids. I was also excited for Walker to have another day on the slopes with his dad. It's probably better that I am not there until he gets a little bit better.

Hayes and Alivia

These two just kept each other busy! They play so great together. They are only 5 weeks apart.

After most of the kids were done skiing for the day the deep bath/hot tub was quite exciting!

Time for some R&R. These two were pooped after a day of skiing!

So proud of Walker! He had a great time skiing and even went on the ski lift four times!

He kept saying how much fun he had with all of his cousins!

This is one of the last pictures we had with Laurie. Walker was only one month old.

Jake's memories of Grandpa Laurie are:

-Grandpa had a dog named Kiska. He was an Alaskan Malamute

-Laurie and Dottie volunteered at the Conference Center

-He had a love for golf and skiing

-Jake and Laurie took a trip to Antimony, Utah in the fall of 2001 to help with a "round-up" for Uncle Burns

-Jake really enjoyed Christmas Eve at Grandpa's home. He remembers that Grandpa always had the fire going and he would always sit in front of it. He still loves going there each Christmas Eve

-He had a great whistle

-He loved Caffeine Free Diet Coke aka Soda Water

Hope to see everyone next year - same time, same place!

Just having fun...

2011-03-06T21:18:00.000-07:00

We LOVE to have our friends over! Walker is such a good friend.

Where is Hayes? Well, most times, in the bathroom. I never had this problem with Walker so I am trying to get used to keeping all the bathroom doors shut. Hayes LOVES the bath. Anytime I turn on the water for the bath he comes crawling in to play in the water. There have even been a few times when I have found his fingers in the toilet. Whoops!

Lunch time is always fun time! Hayes is such a good eater.

Walker will eat anything as along as he has "sauce"...we range from Ranch, Ketchup and today sour cream with his taquitos!

A couple of days ago the weather was SUPER nice! (yay for Spring) So we headed to our back yard to enjoy our new swing set. We bought it in October, but by the time we had it painted and a new roof built for it the weather was too cold to play on it. Walker has been asking to play on it all Winter!

It is so nice to be outside! I can't wait until the weather gets warmer and stays warm! My boys are growing so fast and I am loving their ages right now. Hayes is on the brink of walking and I am really excited! Walker is loving school and can't wait to go each day!

This ride is making me sick!

2011-02-19T16:17:00.001-07:00

Being a Jazz fan is comparable to riding a roller coaster. Lots of ups and downs. Right now I am on the downhill and heading for the straight boring part of the ride. Oh Jazz..you really hurt my heart right now. No, I don't want to talk about it. I try to not watch, but I just have to so can you just play some real basketball...Please?!? I am not asking for a championship, just some decent play. Please take a sharp turn and head back up the hill!

Haircuts

2011-02-16T21:27:00.000-07:00

I took Hayes in for his first official haircut. Last time Walker had his hair cut I had Hadley (our super cute neighbor that works at Cookie Cutters) just trim Hayes' bangs. Jake loves the long shaggy look so we are trying that out with Hayes' hair since is has a little bit of curl to it.

I took these with my phone and I can't get them to turn right side up. He did such a good job. He watched Merry Madagascar and sat in the car seat. He only cried the very last minute. I think he was done.

Walker also got his hair cut but he didn't want me to take any pictures. This is the after. I sure do love my two super cute boys. They keep my smiling all day long!

Valentines Day!

2011-02-16T21:19:00.000-07:00

I am not really into Valenties Day, but I thought it would be fun to make pink pakcakes for Walker and Hayes for breakfast! Walker thought it was cool:)

He seriously pulls a face every picture I take. He won't ever smile!

Walker made this cute Valentine frog at school. It held all of his Valentines! He was so excited to hand out his Toy Story pencils. He wanted to sharpen all of them for his friends. I told him that wasn't such a good idea! He is so funny. He kept talking about giving one to Rachel. He talkes about her all the time. I think he has a little crush:)

We celebrated as a family with a yummy chicken and artichoke dinner. Then we passed out cookies to our neighbors with some cute Valentines. It is so much fun to celebrate holidays with little kids!

Skiing!

2011-02-10T14:34:00.000-07:00

We took Walker skiing up at Park City Mountain Resort last week. I have been really excited for Jake to teach Walker to ski. Jake took him up last year but he was on Jake's back, not his own skis. He did such a great job! He kept saying "pizza then french fry" He didn't last too long, but at least we got him on skis! Good Job buddy!! We are so proud of you. I just want Walker to be able to try everything and find those things that he loves to do. I hope that he will love skiing so he can go with his dad:)

smart little guy...

2011-01-30T21:49:00.000-07:00

The other day I came up stairs from doing laundry and Walker was sitting at the island putting together his Toy Story 3 puzzle. Jake and I have done it with him a few times but this was the first time he wanted to do it by himself. It's a 100 piece puzzle!!

FINISHED! I helped him with maybe 20 pieces, but he did the rest all by himself! Nice work buddy!!

Finished product!

Oh and don't worry about this guy. The minute the fridge opens he is climbing in it. He can't get enough of it! The other day I found 3 balls in the cheese drawer!!

A SUNBEAM?

2011-01-30T21:44:00.001-07:00

We were just getting used to the idea that Hayes was one...and now we have a Sunbeam?

His first day he got this super cute crown and a necklace name tag.

just a side note - Walker is so funny lately.

Walker - " Excuse me, Mom?"

Me - "Yeah, bud what?"

Walker - "Umm, I am going to need tape and some paper. I need to make stuff for my friends"

Me - "Ok"

Here is what I came upstairs to. Papers with drawings on them taped to the wall. He was listing all his friends names saying "This one is for..."

I tried to take it down and he didn't want me too. It stayed up there for about 2 days.

Happy Birthday HAYES!

2011-01-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Hayes "DIGS" being ONE!

(that was our theme)

Ready to open his presents!

Good thing we had lots of cousins to help! It would have taken us all night without them!

He grabbed the cake before we were ready to sing! Just like his mom, loves sugar!

Digging into the smash cake.

This is the "official" cake. I am loving the cupcake cakes from Walmart! So much easier than cutting a cake, just pull a cupcake out - no mess!

We had such a great time celebrating his birthday! Thanks to everyone who came to help us. Hayes is loving all of his new toys! Hayes is my little buddy and I am so happy that he is such a good boy. I really feel blessed to say that he is mine:)

Hayes 1 year pictures

2011-01-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

How is Hayes already ONE?!? I feel like all of last year was a blur! He is getting so big! Kim and Tim came over and snapped a few shots - and they did a great job!

The attempt of a sibling picture - Hayes was having none of that!

Quick family photo op!

LOVE this one of Walker!

Hayes you are an angel - and mommy thanks you so much for that! You make my life so easy:) We love you buddy, but please stop getting so big so fast!

Our First Snowman

2011-01-01T21:05:00.000-07:00

Walker was loving the first snow storm we had a few weeks ago. The first thing he said when he woke up to all the snow was "We have to go make a snowman"...so we did! Well Jake and Walker did. He first helped dad shovel and then he was so excited when he came in and asked me for eyes, nose and a mouth. Oreo eyes, celery nose, and red hard candy mouth. Once the snowman was completed, he wouldn't stand by it.

Hayes and I just stayed inside and enjoyed the warmth!:)

Temple Square

2011-01-01T21:01:00.000-07:00

When I was young we would go to Temple Square every December as a family to enjoy the Christmas lights. If you know Walker, he is OBSESSED with Christmas lights. So - we went down. We had a great time and Walker loved it! As Walker and Hayes get older, I am realizing how much I want to have my own traditions.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-01T20:58:00.000-07:00

I really can't believe that Christmas has come and gone and we are now starting 2011. We had such a great Christmas. It was so much fun to see the kids so excited for Santa.

Walker at the Linebaugh Christmas Party - he was singing the whole time Santa was handing out gifts!

Hayes did not like Santa. This is totally not his personality. I was shocked he was crying.

"Mom, I just want Santa to drop off toys and leave, I don't want him to stay"

Walker's bubble train. He was so excited for Santa to bring him a bubble train.

My two boys!

Hayes loves his ride on toy!

Walker grandkids

We had a crazy month and honestly, I am glad it is over:) I am really going to try and update my blog more often.

Kindermusik

2010-10-22T14:19:00.000-06:00

Walker has been in Kindermusik since he was 9 months old. This summer we finished our last class. I thought that since Walker was now in preschool I didn't want to clog up his week with too much stuff. It was sad and I am hoping that our teacher does another summer camp next year so we can go back in the summer.

Carmen was in our class for the last year and a half! These two are besties.

I love watching them interact..it is hilarious!

This is our teacher - Miss Marilee. She is the BEST! If you are considering Kindermusik - 100% do it! Walker has grown a love for music and instruments. The CD's they provide are so great and they have some really fun songs on them! Introducing music in a child's life at a young age is so good for them developmentally. I can't wait for Hayes to start in January.

We miss this class so much and hope to go back sometime soon!!

Preschool!

2010-10-22T14:11:00.000-06:00

How does time go by so fast? I can't believe that Walker is starting preschool! He was so excited and even more excited that Luke, Nick, and Carmen are in his class. Miss Denise is so nice and he loves her lots!

First day. The "in front of the door picture"

Here is my backpack mom!

Miss Denise is super nice! Walker loves her so much.

Walker LOVES school. He is doing so well and he loves all his classmates!

Time just needs to slow down - a bit!:)

Co-op

2010-09-07T14:31:00.000-06:00

We love, love, love our neighborhood! We have made some really great friends here and so have our kids! A few of us decided to host a babysitting co-op twice a month. It is so nice and who dosen't love a free babysitter!! Drop the kiddos off at one couples house and the other three couples can go do what they want for the next 4 hours! It turns out to be such a fun night when it is our turn to host! This last time we decided to hang out outside doing water balloons, wagon rides, and popsicles! These kids are super cute!

filling up water balloons!

Watch out!! We are ready to get wet!

Jack and Walker drinking out of the hose!

Popsicle time!!

Jack, Shiloh, Walker, Caroline, and Carmen

Cute kiddos!

Our First Trip to the Dentist!

2010-09-07T14:23:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago we took Walker in for his first official dentist visit. He was scared in the chair so Jake helped him. He didn't want to open his mouth at all, but once they brought out a toothbrush with a train on it....his mouth opened wide! No cavaties!! Yahoo! Thanks Dr. Theurer. See ya in 6 months!

He was scared..poor guy!

Hayes just chillin! "Come on Walkie, it's ok!"

AND...we're done! Say "AHHHH" He was finally happy once he got all his goodies!

Swiss Days!

2010-09-01T20:41:00.000-06:00

Come one! Come all!

Don't forget to head up to Swiss Days this weekend and visit my mother-in-law's booth

"Three Little Chairs"

She has SUPER cute decorative chairs and pillows and lots of other great items!

Here is a sneak peak!

Friday and Saturday 8am-8pm up in Midway!

Mention that Teylor sent you and save $10.00 on a purchase of $75.00 or more!

Hope to see you there!!

crazy Sunday's at our house!

2010-07-29T22:54:00.000-06:00

Look out for the tunnel monster!

oh how I love these two..

2010-07-29T22:52:00.000-06:00

I truly LOVE having two boys:) I am one lucky mom!

DISNEYLAND!

2010-07-29T22:49:00.000-06:00

It truly is the happiest place on earth!! We took Walker to Disneyland for his 3rd birthday. It was great and he LOVED it! He still asks when we can go back!:) We met my sister and her family there! It was a really fun trip!

Hayes did great on the plane - both ways he slept the entire time!! Such a good boy!

Walker on the other hand- cried the moment he steped on the plane. Thank goodness for portable DVD players and markers!

He met a few characters. This Woody was made out of all Legos

Pluto. So cute he would hug all the characters.

Mickey Mouse! This is who he kept asking for. He was so excited to see him!

Minnie Mouse

Army guys from Toy Story

Jesse and Woody

Goofy

Classic Disneyland Pictures

We went to Newport Beach one day. It was overcast and a little cold so we decided to go on a whale watching tour instead of hanging out at the beach

On the boat. We saw a school of about 500 dolphins. They were following the boat. SO GREAT. I didn't get too many pictures...it was windy and the boat was rocking...got me a little sick!

Checking out the beach

Thanks Whitney and Tony for a great trip! We had so much fun!! Hayes was an angel the entire time. I was nervous to take a 5 month old baby - but it was great!

Happy Birthday Walker!

2010-07-29T22:04:00.000-06:00

I can't believe you are 3! What? I have a 3-year-old?? Time goes by way too fast. We celebrated with family and friends and then headed off to Disneyland...more to come on that. For now..the party! Mickey Mouse Clubhouse - of course! We got this cute little house for him to play in. He loves to just sit in it and pretend to be on the phone. The next morning this is where I found him asking for breakfast!

Walker is such a good kid! Everyday he has something new and funny to say. He keeps me laughing all the time. We feel so lucky to have such a great little boy!

At age 3 he is: 35 inches tall and 29 lbs

He loves:

Trains

Popsicles - blue please

Mickey Mouse

Soccer

riding his bike

playing with "Hayeser Mayser"

Singing to his Kindermusik songs and songs we have downloaded on iTunes

Going to the Zoo,

The Aquarium,

fountains at The Gateway

Watching the Jazz. He thinks every basketball game is a Jazz game.

Funny quotes:

"mommy, I was in your belly yesterday"

Every morning for breakfast he asks for "waffles and sauce"

He always asks what time it is. He dosen't even understand time yet:)

When Jake gets home he says "hey dad, how was work?"

When we go to the condo in Park City he asks for the "tube slide" that is at the Outlets.

He thinks Park City is just the Outlets

So CUTE!

2010-06-02T14:36:00.006-06:00

I decided to run down to JC Penney and get some pictures taken of Hayes in his blessing outfit and possibly a few of Walker. I haven't gone there in a while because I LOVE Kim and Tim to take their pictures but I had a great coupon and just needed a few pictures....so here they are! Hayes 4 months Walker 3 years old This is the favorite. We love how both of them are like..."huh?" Sure are some cute boys!

fun times!

2010-06-02T14:17:00.009-06:00

During the month of May we enrolled Walker in a soccer clinic. We signed up with our cousin Bowen and our friend Carmen. He was a little nervous at first and towards the end finally warmed up to it being fun! He still asks me for "coach John" I can't believe how big Walker is getting. He is growing up so fast!! Me trying to convince Walker that it's ok and not scary. He thinks everything is scary. Stretching before getting ready to kick the ball! Listening to his coach and getting lined up. He actually did pretty well for the first 30 minutes of the class!

Just been hanging around...

2010-05-11T13:05:00.007-06:00

These two sure are cute! Walker LOVES Hayes! He is always concerned where he is and what he is doing. He always wants to give hugs and sit by him. He will come and tell me "mom, I just gave Hayes loves." Thanks buddy! At times he gets a little jealous and thinks he is the baby still. He constantly sits in the bumbo seat. He also likes to sit in the bouncer. We have been enjoying the slightly warmer weather. Walker loves to mow the lawn. He gets up in the morning and won't get dressed. So he just plays outside in his jammies! (don't mind the pink mower, it was a gift:)) Standing in the old ironing board slot. He thinks it is funny. We mowed our lawn and got a new front door. I love this time of year for our yard because the Magnolia tree in the front only blooms for one week. It is such a beautiful tree!!

Good Times!

2010-05-03T21:55:00.004-06:00

I have been so lucky this past week. I was invited to go to games 4 and 6 of Jazz vs Nuggest. I seriously have the best neighbors. I guess they know how much I really love the Jazz. Jake and I went to the Sunday game (sinners:)) with our neighbor Corey. Thanks Lynley for watching Walker! We were in a suite so we just brought Hayes with us:) He did great...slept, ate, and enjoyed the game! Thanks Corey for thinking of us:)

Then my other neighbor, Lindsey, invited me for a girls night out at the Jazz game. HELLO - best GNO EVER! (thanks Jon for giving up your seat!) Thanks to her parents for some great seats. We had a great time. We made two signs and our "In Your Fes" sign made it on the Jumbotran! Thanks again Lindsey! So much fun! Left the game with a scratchy voice but we got the win so yahoo!! Now, if they can just beat the Lakers! Ugh!

Prince Walker

2010-04-14T13:29:00.003-06:00

Walker went to his first official birthday party. It was a "princess" party for our neighbor Caroline. He went as a prince! Thanks to my mom for making the cute cloak/cape! It was fun to get him dressed up and he had a great time at the party. He keeps telling me "I am going to have a party for my birthday in June."

Hayes' Blessing

2010-04-14T13:22:00.002-06:00

We had the great opportunity to bless Hayes on Sunday. Jake did such a great job! I am glad I don't have the responsibility to do that! I would be way too nervous! Thanks for everyone who came and enjoyed lunch after! We were so happy to have you there!

The happs....

2010-04-14T13:00:00.015-06:00

Just enjoying life around here with the two kids! We are also hoping the warmer weather learns how to stay put! Sure do love being outside!

We have been loving on this kid lots! He is such a great baby. I can't believe he is already 3 months old! He smiles all the time:) And he slept 7 hours the other night! YAHOO!

He FINALLY likes to take a bath. Those first two months were brutal. Cried the entire time!

Walker loves taking a bath with Hayes. He is so cute with him. We blow bubbles about 100 times a day. Walker loves those dang things! "Mom, take a picture of me sitting by my bubbles" - WOWSERS!

We went with my mom, dad, and sisters to see the Penguins at the Aquarium. SO CUTE! way better than the Penguins at the Zoo.

Ashton and Jack hanging out in the stroller. The kids loved it there. My mom, Walker, and Boston playing with the Sting Rays. So cool you can touch and play with them. They swim right up to you!

Walker standing by the Penguin. He loved watching them swim. HAPPY EASTER! The Easter Bunny found our house! Walker was really excited! He LOVED the book with the CD. It has a bunch of children's songs on it and he listens to them all day. I love catching him singing when I peek in the room.

I forgot my camera almost the whole weekend, but we had a great Easter Egg hunt at both grandparents homes. He had to bring his "fishy game" to grandmas and show Boston.

We had a great Easter and conference weekend. I am so mad I didn't take pictures. I think I am loosing it! We finally finished the basement...that's for a whole other post! Pictures to come! Just glad to be done with late nights painting and working down there.

Oh Wow! How time flies!!!

2010-03-25T12:38:00.010-06:00

I can't believe this guy is already 2 months old!! Sure is a cutie!

He is such a great baby! We took him in for his 2 month appointment and his stats are:

12 lbs - 60% (walker was only 10 lbs at this age)

24 inches - 50%

and it looks like he is keeping his blue eyes:)

This is Walker at the same age. I can see similarities:)

It's been a bit busy around here! Thanks to the couch pillows for helping out with feedings:) Ok not all the time, but some times!

We have been enjoying the warmer weather! We made it up to the Zoo with Carmen and Lindsey one day! All the baby animals were out...SO CUTE! Walker has been so funny lately. In my last post I posted the picture of him pushing his stroller with "baby" wrapped up in a blanket and a back pack on. The other day he needed Mickey and "baby" wrapped up and laying on the couch. Oh and they needed treats too! (I tried getting a better picture..but Walker is a shy one!)

Walker stole my camera and I found this picture of Mickey on it. He carries that guy all over the place!

Whenever I am making dinner he has to bring his kitchen into the kitchen and help me make dinner. He usually ends up making hotdogs:)

Having two kiddos has been so FUN! I love watching Walker interact with Hayes. He loves to sing songs to him, play "this little piggy" with Hayes' toes, and anytime I give him a treat or get out some toys for him I always find some piece of something in the swing or bouncer with Hayes. He is going to be such a great big brother! I can't wait for them to be able to play together!

p.s. the basement is ALMOST finished! (waaahooo) more to come...

Catch up! December and the begining of January!

2010-02-10T21:38:00.008-07:00

Walker is too funny...he pushes this stroller around the house and has to have a bag on his back. I guess he sees me with my diaper bag and he wants one too!! We got in Grammy and Papa's hot tub on Christmas Eve! SO FUN!

Santa came to our house. Walker LOVED opening presents and he was so excxited to see his train table. Still to this day he will say "mom! I got a train table from Santa!"

We took Walker to his first Jazz game. We were in the upper bowl and then ended up in the lower bowl next to Jake's sister. He liked it better down there! (don't we all??)

Then this cute guy came! We sure do LOVE him! He has been such a great baby:) Walker has done really great too. Although...we have been trying to keep the two away from eachother... Walker has basically been sick since the day I got home from the hospital. We have been to the Doctor 4 times in the last 4 weeks! Bronchilitis, Sinus Infection, Croup, and then some random virus! Luckily he is finally on the mend!! We have been so lucky that Hayes has not gotten sick yet. :)

poor guy..he NEVER lays on the couch. He has been a man down. And who knows where he got it..I haven't been anywhere!

Our renters move out in two weeks and then the basement is OURS! we are excited! Since we have been married we have only lived in 900 sq feet or less! It's going to feel like we live in a mansion!! WAHOO! Can't wait to get all the toys downstairs and not in my living room!!

Newborn Pictures

2010-01-31T11:10:00.010-07:00

Thanks again to Kim and Tim. YOU ARE THE BEST! (check out www.timandkimphotography.blogspot.com for their info) Hayes' newborn pictures turned out SO great! We love them. I just love it when they are so small and wrinkley! We are so happy to have this little guy in our family. He is such a good baby and Walker just loves him. I have found him trying to feed him a bottle and give him a binkie. Works for me!! I wish I was able to get pictures of Walker and Hayes, but Walker was sick so I had to keep those two far from each other. Enjoy!

I think he looks just like Walker in this one.

Hayes Collins Mauss

2010-01-18T13:44:00.006-07:00

Here is our cute little guy! We got home Friday and he has been such an angel (keeping my fingers crossed - Walker was a hard one!) He eats good, sleeps good and dosen't cry too often! Walker loves him and loves to hold him. Thanks to Kim and Tim for coming to the hospital and taking some pictures for us:) Walker couldn't come to the hospital so that was sad, but he did great playing with his cousins! Thanks everyone for all your help with Walker! More pictures to come....

He is here....

2010-01-13T20:08:00.004-07:00

Baby Brother is here.

Wednesday January 13

1:23am

6 lb 9 oz

YEAH!!

no name yet:)

Getting Ready for CHRISTMAS!!!

2009-12-24T14:41:00.009-07:00

We wore our Rudolph nose...

We made a "choo choo train" gingerbread house.

We got pictures with our cousins in our CUTE Christmas outfits from Aunt Judy. We visited Santa...twice. Once with the Walker side and once with the Mauss side.

Now we just can't wait to see if Santa brings us a TRAIN TABLE!!!

Sugar House in the FALL!

2009-11-11T20:26:00.006-07:00

Sugar House in the fall is....lets just say full of leaves! Luckily this year our neighbor just told us to put all of our leaves in his garden..he uses them for mulch in the spring. So...piled them up, put them on a tarp, and carried them next door! Way better than bagging them up! Walker LOVED helping rake the leaves. He had to have his own rake. It was really funny. We have raked twice and it looks like it needs to be done again!! Gotta love Sugar House!

Happy Halloween!

2009-11-01T14:26:00.008-07:00

We had a great Halloween! I love that Walker is old enough to understand trick-or-treating and he loved wearing his bee costume! After he was done getting his treats he helped me pass out candy. When the door bell would ring he would say "Mom, more friends" then grab the candy bag and put candy in each kids bag...it was too funny! Sure do love my little guy!

Carving pumpkins for Grandma Mare's birthday.

Justin and Jake cleaning out the pumpkins!Walker and Jack. Jack's monkey costume was so cute! Walker and Bowen. We did cousin pictures with Jake's side of the family. None of my pictures turned out of all the kiddos...dang camera...or was it the person taking the pictures? The Nemo costume is hilarious from the side!

Walker as the Bee. He carries Mickey with him wherever we go!

Our neighbor gave out toothbrushes to the trick-or-treaters...Walker LOVES his. That was the first thing he wanted from his candy bag. The next day he came and showed me how he "brushes" Mickey's teeth. Too funny!

CONGRATS!

2009-10-05T21:01:00.002-06:00

Congrats to Jake, Justin, and Megan for running the St George Marathon! We are so proud of you! You guys did AWESOME!

what we have been up too..

2009-10-01T13:43:00.018-06:00

I can't believe summer is coming to an end! We have been trying to keep busy and enjoying the weather while it is still nice! Just a little update...

With Boston at the Petting Zoo at Gardner Village. Already seen the Witches twice this year:) Walker LOVES them!

Still at the Petting Zoo.

This is my little sisters girl Ashton. She is HILARIOUS! She cut her own hair...along the middle of her head. I can't stop laughing at her.

Riding the Pony at Gardner Village Witches...AGAIN! He wouldn't sit by a witch but wanted to see all of them.

Helping daddy mow the lawn. Our neighbor gave him the mower because she had 2 of the exact same one...that is why it is pink:) Helping daddy rake in the yard. Silver Lake with the neighborhood playgroup. That is such a fun place to go! Silver Lake. Walker and Carmen Walker and Carmen We LOVE going on walks. I think sometimes we take about 5 a day! Just enjoying the Bees game!

We say Baby Zuri at the Zoo! You gotta get to the zoo...there is a baby elephant, baby giraffe, and 3 baby tigers!! Just chillin in his doll stroller (yes he has one)...sometimes he will sit there and watch TV.

Mama Vacation

2009-09-06T21:33:00.011-06:00

I had a great opportunity to head down to sunny St. George last weekend with a few gals from my ward. A well needed vacation!! It was so much fun! Pedicures, massages, shopping, eating, laying out, a show at the Tuachan,and sleeping in:) Thanks gals for a great time and thanks Lynley for the place to stay!

Our attempt to attend the temple. It was closed. This is the 3rd time this has happened to me when I go out of town. You would think I would learn to call ahead. Oh well...blessings for trying right?

At the Tuachan. We saw Aida. I LOVED IT!!

After the show. We all had a crush on the guy in the red jacket. He was one of the main characters.

Eating dinner in Vegas. We spent a few hours shopping and eating!

Lynley, Lisa, Me, and Lindsey

(good thing they let me come even though my name dosen't start with an "L") Just call me Leylor.

Hanging out in Vegas! Good times gals! Thanks to our hubby's to took care of the kiddos while we were gone!

Our Little Walker...

2009-08-21T13:45:00.008-06:00

oh man how time flies! I feel like the worst mom because I haven't posted anything about our cute little guy and let me just say he is growing so fast! He LOVES to hold our camera aka "cheese" so his birthday pictures didn't turn out so well with his finger prints on the lense. (no worries our camera is a piecer anyway) So I have been waiting for some from jake's mom...just keep forgetting to get to it. Being pregnant, your mind forgets EVERYTHING!

So here is a little update on Walker

He is now 2 - and loves to throw tantroms! Sometimes I just have to sit back and laugh at him when he is so mad. His train will fall off the track and instead of picking it up and putting it back on he throws the train, throws his hands down and starts crying. It's really lovely!!

He loves popscicles - or as he calls them popcoles. If I let him he would eat one box in a day! Usually he makes me and Jake eat one and we have to be sitting on the porch.

He will only call Jake, Jake. Sometimes we get a "daddy" but most of the time it's "Jake"

When he wakes up from naps he yells from his crib "Mom, I wanna get out"

He loves helping me with the laundry. He loves to put the wet clothes in the dryer and carry up the fresh clean clothes. He hasn't mastered folding yet. He thinks he has...he gets a piece of clothing and shakes it out and then puts it on the couch.

He can count to 10. It is so funny when he counts! I try to video it but the minute he sees the video he wants to hold it.

Laying in bed at night he goes through everyones names in mine and Jake's family. Josh, Becca, Charlie, Jill, BoBo....etc...

He LOVES Kindermusik. Best thing I ever did for him. He always asks to go to class. He loves listening to the Kindermusik CD's and he has favorite songs on the CD. When we get in the car if he dosen't like the song he says "new one" until you find the song he wants. You can always find him randomly singing the songs he learned throughout the day.

He loves the carts at the store that have the car on the front end (thanks to whomever invented those..NOT) Anytime we pull up to a grocery store immediatly he says "i wanna drive" So I finally give in and everytime the cart stops he gets out.

When we drive by the Home Depot he yells "depot"...it is really funny!

He has to give Jake "bones" every night before he goes to bed.

He loves Nursery. He asks for it durning the week. He calls it "sursery". Whenever he gets his hands on the remote he pushes mute, folds his arms, closes his eyes and pretends he is saying a prayer.

He loves to swing. Sometimes I avoid our backyard just so he won't see the swing and want to spend all day out there:) (rude, i know)

This is how he "listens" to fireworks. SO FUNNY!

We sure do love our little guy and we love to see what he comes up with each day! We are excited to add another little boy to our family - they are going to be such good friends!

Round Two...

2009-06-29T13:18:00.004-06:00

The spaghetti sauce says it all...

I'm "Prego" We are excited for our bundle of joy to arrive in January!

Pictures...2009

2009-06-09T13:08:00.008-06:00

Thanks to Kim and Tim for being so AWESOME! They are starting a photography business specializing in children and an occasional family picture. Kim and Tim have taken pictures for Jake and I and my family for...forever! They took mine and my sisters engagements and have taken our family Christmas picture every year since! (nice work by the way!) So I was excited to have them take Walker's 2 year pictures (more to come on his birthday..) and get a snap shot or two of our little family. They turned out PERFECT!

If you want your pictures taken I can get you her info!!

Choo! Choo!

2009-05-26T13:18:00.013-06:00

...the two words Walker says EVERY morning when he wakes up. HE LOVES Thomas The Train! When I heard it was going to be up at the Heber Valley Railroad I was so excited and knew we had to go! We headed up there with the Little's to ride the train..what a fun night! The kiddos loved it. The minute Walker saw the big blue train he starting yelling "choo choo, choo choo"

Walker and Carmen posing for the picture. Cute how she has her hand on his knee. Love in the making:)

Me and Walkie on the train ride. He loved it!

Enjoying the train ride.

Showing off his tattoo he got. I just barely got it off in the tub tonight..6 days that thing lasted!

And the ride home...watching Nemo. Cute kiddos!

Thanks to the Little's for driving and enjoying a fun outing with the kiddos!

Easter Time!

2009-04-14T22:02:00.009-06:00

"Easter time is the time for eggs, and the time for eggs is Easter time!"

-Grandma Mauss

I don't really know what it means but ever since I met Jake he has said it to me every time Easter comes around. Well I should say you kinda "sing" it. His Grandma Mauss started saying it to him when he was little - so lets carry on the tradition. Easter was fun this year now that Walker is old enough to sorta understand it:) We started off Wednesday with an easter egg hunt at our neighborhood playgroup -but I forgot my camera:) Walker picked up one egg, opened it, ate the candy and called it good! Saturday night we had the Little's over for egg dying, dinner, and the Jazz game.

Dying the eggs. So fun! They kept taking the already dyed eggs and putting them back into new colors. You should have seen their fingers...too funny!

Put them in the bath to clean the mess. These two play so well together! It is so funny to hear Walker say Carmen - it's "carne"

Sunday the Easter Bunny came. Lucky little guy. He also got a microwave (obsessed with it!) but I realized that I kinda didn't want it to feel like a second christmas...I bought too much stuff.

Cute guy getting ready for church. He loves me to spray his hair and the he combs it.

Easter Egg hunt at the Alder's. Good thing Walker's basket was small - he left with WAY too much candy!

Wicked

2009-04-11T21:02:00.003-06:00

Had a girls night out last night (well 8 gals and one guy:))....So much fun!

Went and saw this....

AND LOVED IT! If you have the chance to go while it is in SLC, you should!!

I'm in L-O-V-E....

2009-04-07T22:15:00.004-06:00

with the Pioneer Woman. Who is the Pioneer Woman you ask? Only the BEST recipe holder in the world. Lately I have been on this kick of wanting new recipes. Poor Jake eats the 5 same things each week (i only cook 5 days a week - you gotta keep the resturants in business in these "economic times"). Anywho - my ward started a cooking group and I went last week. It was so much fun! Everyone submitted recipes and then a few of us brought our recipe made so everyone could try it. The host of the activity compiled all the recipes and we all left with about 25 new recipes!! Now back to why I love the Pioneer Woman. Lisa, my cute neighbor who hosted the activity, loves the Pioneer Woman too. She found her website and has made a lot of her recipes. At this cooking activity she made the "Apple Dumplings" desseret. Lets just say it is made with A LOT of butter and cooked in Mountain Dew. HELLO?!? So good! I made them again the other night and still as tasty as ever. Her website is filled with not only recipes, but ideas on photography, gardening, homeschooling, and MUCH MUCH more! Her bio reads that she grew up in the city on a golf course. Went to college LA where she treated herself to pedicures and sushi all the time! She went back home to the midwest to visit, while there she met and fell in love with this cattle rancher guy. She now lives on a full working cattle ranch. Seriously she is great and has TONS of great recipes. The recipe on the main page today was homemade Mac and Cheese. And the best part about all the recipes, she takes pictures of all the ingredients, and takes pictures of each step so you know what it looks like.

Really you should check her out...she is great! Thanks Lisa for the great tip - I check her site EVERYDAY! http://www.thepioneerwoman.com/

he is growing up so much...

2009-03-24T13:57:00.009-06:00

Wow where have we been - busy, busy, busy. The last few months we have had so much going on at our house. We decided to finish our basement...well the one room that wasn't complete. That has taken up our lives for the last few months...more to come on that. Besides the basement project Jake has been busy with work and the Young Men. I have been busy with processing loans, working a couple nights at the pediatric office, my Relief Society calling, Enrichment activities, and keeping up with Walker. He is getting so big! He is talking so much and wants to be outside all the time. We are so lucky to live in such a great neighborhood where there are so many kids his age. He loves to play with his friends. My neighborhood does a playgroup every Wednesday and it is so much fun! I really love taking Walker out to fun places to explore and see his reaction. He is in Kindermusik and he loves it. He sings the songs all day and has me do the actions with him. Here are a few pictures of some recent activities.

Walker and Colter at the Dinosaur Museum. Walker loved it there...he couldn't get enough of the "sores" What a great place this is!

still at the museum...playing on the dinosaur scale

Walker and our neighbor Shiloh. He love Shiloh or as he says "shisho"

Walker and Carmen playing around. He loves her too - he calls her "carnen"

Playing at Disovery Gateway. That water table and the balls section are GREAT! i love that place! We went there with some friends and he loved it.

Go Jazz!!

2009-02-21T20:37:00.006-07:00

My cute friend Lindsey, she is SO NICE! She knows me to well - she invited me to the Jazz vs Celtics game last week. OF COURSE I WILL GO:) I always get nervous when the Jazz play a really great team - it's either going to be a blow out and we lose or a really close game. Luckily for me - it was a close game WITH A WIN. Lindsey and I had such a great time. We both needed a GNO and this was the way to do it. Watching the Jazz, both in our jerseys, both enjoying Red Mango, and both drinking Diet Coke. We both left with scratchy throats but it was well worth it... And we made it on the jumbotron - twice! Thanks Lindsey. Lets do the GNO again:)

Ski Day!

2009-02-15T13:58:00.006-07:00

We had an exciting day up at Alta Ski Resort last Saturday. My grandpa Jack, who was well known for his skiing abilities, passed away January 2008. On Saturday my dad and aunt Judy hosted the 1st Annual Memorial Ski Day at his favorite resort, Alta. Family flew in from out of state to ski and then enjoy dinner at my parents home. If there is one thing I remember most about Grandpa Jack, it was his skiing. He has skied his entire life. He was even skiing into his late 80's and early 90's. I had the opportunity to ski with him on the last day he skied (dr's orders) back in 2005. He was into ski jumping, racing, and when the 2002 Winter Olympics were here Sports Illustrated did a story on him. Also, when I was going to the "U" I had a film class and the teacher was doing a movie on Alf Engan (the guy who founded Alta) and he was telling us how he wanted to get in touch with old time skiers who had skied at Alta. He mentioned one day he was wanting to get in contact with Jack Walker - and I was like "hey that's my grandpa". So he was in a movie too!! It was so great to get everyone together to remember him for what he loved most. We decided to take Walker skiing for the first time, on Jake's back of course. (next year we will try the real thing). I didn't ski because I wasn't sure how Walker would do on the hill, so I waited in the lodge with my Mom, sisters and brother-in-law. Jake is a great skier, so he took Walker up to Supreme in a backpack. The day was cold, lite snow and a bit windy. Plus, Walker HATES wearing hats and gloves. So I was nervous he was going to get cold. The chairlift ride up Walker didn't like much, the wind was right in his face. But the ride down he kept saying "wee, wee." I was excited that he liked it.

In the end - he liked it. He just went once and then we played in the snow for a bit and walked around the Lodge while the others skied a few more runs. We had lunch and then Walker was ready for a nap. Overall, the whole family enjoyed the day of skiing and and it was great to remember my Grandpa. The dinner at my parents was great and it was really fun to see cousins we don't get to see everyday.Thanks Dad and Judy for putting this together - See ya next year!!

Jake and Walker. Walker couldn't wait to get that hat off.

Walker and I hanging out in the lodge. So cute in his bibs!

We will miss you Grandpa!

December...

2009-01-18T21:22:00.007-07:00

wow we have had a busy December and into the New Year. I can't believe it is already more than half way through January. Where does the time go? Here is a little recap of December.

A week before Christmas my little sister went on a cruise with her husband and his work, so we were lucky enough to watch her little girl for a few days. Walker loved having her here - a constant friend! They are only 5 months apart so it is so fun to see them play together! Of course sharing was an issue at times, but other than that they had a ball. I came into the living room one day and this is what I found - them laying down watching Tigger and Pooh.

Also, the first few weeks of December I enrolled Walker in a parent taught swim class. He loved it! He learned to kick in the water, blow bubbles, jump off the side of the pool, and go under the water! The pictures I got are a little blurry...

Christmas was so much fun! I was excited to see Walker's reaction to Santa coming to our house. The entire month we were teaching him about Santa and he learned how to say "ho, ho, ho". It was hilarious. He woke up Christmas morning and when we came out to the living room he kinda stared at his toys and then said "ho, ho, ho" By mid day he finally understood opening presents and he was all over it! Santa brought him some great toys. Jake and I also received lots of great stuff! Thanks everyone. The next day when Walker woke up and I got him out of his crib the first thing he said was "ho, ho, ho" - I had to explain to him that Santa only comes once a year. Cute kid!

Christmas Eve at Grandma Mauss'. It's tradition - we enjoy a dinner up there and then a $10.00 gift exchange with all of Jake's cousins. So much fun! Walker loved the lion rug that Great Grandma Mauss gave him. For the first few days he would carry it around the house, say "roar", and then lay on it. Great gift!!

Walker Christmas morning. He was all over his train set and the piano. He didn't know which toy to play with first - so might as well do both! This is also him saying "ho, ho, ho"

Well, we hope everyone had a great Christmas and is enjoying the New Year! I still find myself thinking how crazy it is that 2009 is here. I hope this is going to be a great year and I am trying to stick to my New Year's resolutions (that's a whole other post - soon to come)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-24T21:03:00.004-07:00

We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas.

Isaiah 9:6 - For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

"The Santa Visit"

2008-12-15T13:36:00.003-07:00

Each year we get all the grandkids together on the Mauss side and visit Santa. Walker did really great last year - but he was only 6 months old - so I was a little bit nervous for this year. We have been talking about Santa and he even says "ho ho ho". Well from the picture below - we didn't do so well. When I set him on Santa's lap he was fine for a second, but once everyone was crying he lost it. But really - it's a classic picture. They will appreciate it when they get older:)

The older kids did great. Poor Luke really wanted off Santa's lap. I think we are going to take Walker and try again....

Family Pictures 2008

2008-12-11T20:26:00.010-07:00

Thanks to our great friends Kim and Tim they have taken our family pictures for - what seems like forever! I really think like the last 5 years. They do such a great job!!! I keep telling them they should start a business and do pictures. They always know the perfect time to snap the picture. We went to Draper park and just took some quick pictures. Thanks again Kim and Tim you are the best!! If you need someone who can take great pictures or make cute Christmas cards - let me know and I can get you her email!!

TWILIGHT!!

2008-11-24T11:57:00.002-07:00

Oh yeah! Twilight is finally out and I went and saw it Friday morning 12:10 am. I really liked the movie! It definatley lacked on the love story (which is why the book is so good)- but I was happy to see the movie! I wasn't so sure about Robert Pattinson playing the perfect man Edward but now I love him! Thanks to all the gals who came - and who wore the I Heart Edward shirts - keep them for the next one! Can't wait to see "New Moon"

Happy Halloween

2008-11-02T20:26:00.006-07:00

Can you believe Halloween is already over?? I was excited this year to dress up Walker, especially now that he can walk! Before he was born I saw this cute chicken costume at Old Navy and I wanted to buy it. But I didn't. Luckily my sister-in-law Jill did! So I borrowed it from her. Walker looked so cute in it. It was so funny to watch him walk - he is still a little wobbley so it added that perfect touch to the costume. We did pictures with the Mauss grandkids at Enghs Gardens. Great place. Halloween day was crazy, but we went to Jake's work, with my older sister to trick-or-treat at Jordan School District (highly recommend- Great candy there), to my parents, to our neighbors for a great soup dinner, then finally out to do some trick-or-treating. Walker only lasted a few houses and he was done wearing his costume (can you blame him?) But it was fun. I love handing out candy and seeing all the creative costumes. Here are a few pictures:

This is the best picture I got of all the kids. How Cute!! Annie was Hannah Montana. I loved the wig. Jackson was the red powerranger, Walker the chicken, Bowen a dog, and Luke a monkey. Cute bunch of kids!

Just chillin in his chicken costume!

Going Domestic!

2008-11-02T20:14:00.006-07:00

I had a great opportunity last week to can applesauce. I have never canned anything before so I was really looking forward to it. My cute neighbor, Tricia, has a red delicious apple tree in her front yard. So she provided the apples and jars and I provided the kitchen. We had such a great time. It took us from 9:30 to 4:00. We ended up getting 28 jars done. I really felt like a pioneer - canning my own food for my food storage! Walker loves applesauce so I am excited for him to eat it. It is all natural. She dosen't spray her tree for worms and we didn't add anything to the mixture. Thanks to Denise for coming upstairs and helping us. You saved us so much time!

Here is the process:

Cut up apples - we cut up two tubs of apples. You just cut them into quarters. You can even leave the core it will be discarded later.

Boil the apples - dump the cut up apples into a big pot and put it on the stove. You only want the water about 1/4 the way up the pot you don't want it to cover the apples. Cook the apples until they are soft to the touch - the softer the better.

Smash the apples- Tricia has this really cool masher. You put the apples in the top and shove them down with a mallet while the other person turns the handle. As you turn the handle the machine separates the core from the good stuff. and then you have applesauce!

Can the applesauce - make sure your cans are VERY clean. We even put them in the oven while we made the applesauce so they would stay warm and not collect any bacteria. Fill the jars, put them in the big pot - shut the lid - boil them for 20 minutes so they seal and WA LA - you have applesauce!!

Denise and Tricia cutting the apples. There were a ton of them! The first batch of apples waiting to get soft!

The finished product. Yummy! Can't wait to do it next year!!

What we have been up to...

2008-10-21T10:27:00.014-06:00

Well - I finally found my camera cord to upload pictures - so I can finally do a post. We have had a fun couple of days around our house.

#1 - WALKER IS WALKING! finally. The past few days he has been trying so hard to be steady and not fall, but with our hardwood floors it is quite a challenging task. BUT he has finally mastered it. He is "prefering" to walk now. He will fall down and then stand up again and start walking. When he wants to get somewhere fast he crawls, but I am trying to put a stop to that.

I had this shopping cart downstairs that I forgot about - so I opened it and he loves it!

Here he is - such a big boy! #2 - The leaves are falling! That is right - the leaves are falling and we have to rake them up. Thank you Salt Lake County for bringing us bags. Great program they have going - they drop off bags and in a week come and pick them up. Last night we started filling a few bags and Walker was loving it. He wanted to help the entire time. He would take a handful of leaves and put them into the bag. It was really cute. We have also been enjoying the leaves on the ground. Walker loves playing in them and sitting outside watching them fall. Somedays it is like it is raining leaves. I love it!

I have to laugh at this picture - totally his personality.

Here he is helping mom and dad!

#3 - We have been to the see the Witches at Gardner Village! I love that place! What a fun place for the kids:) The first time we went was with Debby and Kim and their kids. It was such a fun day. Although we didn't get a ton of pictures - it was fun to see the kids get so excited about all the pumpkins and witches. p.s they have the BEST pumpkins out there!! Does anyone know if you can buy them?

Then we went again with my mom and sisters. It was a busy day there but we did everything we wanted. Walker rode on a tiny pony, went to the petting zoo, and ate lunch at Archibalds! I am so glad he has cousins around his same age. They play so well together and have so much fun on outings!

Walker and Colter - hanging out by the witches

Riding the pony at Gardner Village. Who knew they had this whole other fun section of animals!

Me, Whitney, Walker, Boston, and Ashton.

Walker LOVED this goat. He wouldn't leave him alone. If you can tell the picture is blurry on his hands because he was smacking the goat. Poor goat - he just sat there. I love the fall time and being outside when it isn't 100+ degrees!

Well we have had a busy few days - but we are so excited for Halloween and the beginning of the Jazz season!!! YAHOO!

St. George Marathon

2008-10-07T20:12:00.006-06:00

We headed down to St. George this last weekend for our "annual marathon trip." For however many years someone in Jake's family has run the marathon. Jake, his sister, and brother-in-law didn't get in this year, but his older brother Justin did. We were so excited to see him run:) Saturday came - and it rained all day. Only the 2nd time it has rained on marathon day in 32 years. We headed up to the usual "mile 16" with Jill, Jackson, Bowen, and Jill's sister Alison to cheer on the runners. It was pouring rain - but it was fun. Justin ran with one of his young men from his ward and they looked great at mile 16. We also saw Jake's cousin Zack running and our two neighbors, Brooke and Tiffani. After we saw them we rushed down to the finish line so we wouldn't miss them (of course after I had to direct traffic - it is a one lane road and the workers were sending cars up the road to park - HELLO we need to get down to the finish line. I got out of the car and arms and all directed traffic - quite hilarious!) We made it in time to see everyone finish! I always get emotional at the finish line - it is such a great accomplishment for all of these runners. Months of training and menal toughness - they are amazing. Jake jumped in at mile 22 to run in his brother. He usually does that if he didn't run the race.

Overall, it was rainy, Walker now has a cold, but we enjoyed the weekend. Good Job to everyone who ran the race - you are amazing! Yeah maybe I will run it next year - NOT. Thanks Justy and Jill for sharing a condo with us. Good times had by all! The funniest part - 4 year old Jackson calling me from Jill's cell phone on the way down asking me if I really like the Utes. He still can't get over it. He is the #1 Cougar fan - and is so concerned that people like the Utes. He is the cutest guy around!

Walker and Jake at this really cute farm in St. George. We took the kids here to play. They have slides, animals, train rides, and all sorts of fun stuff. Walker loved it!

Walker at mile 16. I tried so hard to keep him dry - but he was all over the place.

Jill, Bowen, Walker, and I at the finish line.

We had to get a picture of us - we were so wet and cold.

Seriously our strollers were dripping wet!

Bowen and Walker playing in the shower at the condo.

Yeah - Fall is finally here.

2008-09-30T21:42:00.004-06:00

Oh yeah! I love FALL! Don't get me wrong I do love the summer time too - but after a few months of scorching hot weather - I really look forward to the Fall weather:) There are many other reasons why I love this time of the year - here is my list - in no particular order:

- Season Premieres on TV. I really try an limit myself to how many shows a week I can DVR. Can't leave out Gossip Girl, 90210, The Hills, Runs House, The Office, and Greys. I do love The Biggest Loser - but I can't record 2 things at once and try to watch something else - so I try to "catch" The Biggest Loser.

- The changing leaves. I love living in Sugarhouse and seeing our street turn from drabby grey cement to colorful orange and yellow leaves everywhere. Although, I do hate bagging them.

- POST SEASON BASEBALL. OOO I really look forward to this. Tomorrow is the big day - Baseball all day!!! First game starts at 1:00 in the afternoon. (I am not accepting any calls after 1:00pm for the next week or so) ha ha. There is only ONE OCTOBER! GO SOX - and DODGERS!!

- JAZZ GAMES! Training camp offically started today. It makes me more excited to watch the sports segment on the late news - they always have interviews from the players. Got the D-Will jersey all washed and ready to wear for the October 29th opener.

- HALLOWEEN. Thanks to my mom - she has made me LOVE this holiday. This is my mom's favorite holiday. She used to draw on parchment paper "Linus in the Pumpkin Patch" (from Peanuts Halloween cartoon) on her front windows - I loved that every year. I am so excited to dress Walker up in his costume - he is going to be a chicken. (pictures to come!) I had to find a costume that didn't require a hat to be worn to know what he was dressing up as. He won't wear a hat.

- Cool nights. I sleep so much better when it is cold.

- Pumpkins. For some wierd reason I seriously LOVE pumpkins. I love to decorate with them, carve them, and buy the funny tiny ones. I think I might try to grow them next year.

- My anniversary. 5 years this year on the 8th:)

- Witches at Gardner Village. Even though they are almost the same every year - I love to go and see them. Anyone want to come. I am sure I will go multiple times:)

-Wearing hoodies. I love a good hooded sweatshirt.

So tomorrow starts off the best time of the year. From the looks of my list - if you need me I will be on the couch! ha ha!

ELLEN

2008-09-22T10:54:00.004-06:00

Last week I had the opportunity to go and see the Ellen show at the Warner Brothers studio in Burbank, California! It was SO much fun! My sister Whitney was able to get tickets (after trying forever!) and so I went with her, my mom, and my other sister. It was a short 24 hour trip, we left Wednesday afternoon and flew home Thursday night. Our show taped on Thursday and aired on Friday. The guests were Neil Patrick Harris (aka Dougie Houser MD), Betty White, and this boxer kid who is only 7 years old! It was so much fun! We had to wait in a holding room for about 3 hours until they let us into the actual studio. During that time the employees for her show were walking around talking to everyone asking where they were from and they ended up taking my sister Whitney, along with 6 other people and interviewed them so that one of them could be chosen to play the game on the show that day. Sad to say Whitney didn't get picked, but the girl who did played the "Gold Digger" game and won $750.00!! We were lucky enough though to get FRONT ROW SEATS once we were in the studio! It was so much fun and so fun to see a live taping! They don't let you take your camera in and you phone has to be off - so we didn't get any pictures at the studio. AND there wasn't a giveaway (bummer) but it was still so much fun to be there and have a gals trip with my family. I LOVE ELLEN!!

Here is the only picture we got - eating dinner the night before!

Utah State Fair

2008-09-14T20:56:00.004-06:00

Another year at the Utah State Fair. What a great place. Jake and I laugh everytime we are there. We went on Monday for family night with Jake's family. Although it costs about an arm and a leg to do anything, it is still so much fun! Walker LOVED the rides and Jake and I LOVED the funnel cake. Good times had by all! I wanted to try the deep fried PB&J, but the line was so long. Maybe next year - you know we are going back!

Hanging Out With Dad

I took this picture today while Jake was watching the football game. Walker was sitting right by him loving the game too. He is getting so big - I love to watch him grow and learn new things everyday!

Road Trip - Just the Gals

2008-09-06T20:41:00.006-06:00

A few weekends ago Muranda and I headed out for a girls weekend. So much fun! We headed down to St. George for a few days to relax. It was great. We got pedicures, shopped, slept in, and ate junk food while we watched the Olympics. One of the nights we stayed at Iggy's all night watching Michael Phelps - he is awesome! We went to Vegas on Saturday to shop and see our friend Brittany and her cute baby. We had not seen her since the baby was born. It was great to finally meet her little gal, Serenity. We headed home Sunday, but it was great to relax and have some gals time! Thanks Mur for a good time! Same time next year??Shopping in Vegas - "that that that that don't kill me can only make me stronger" Hanging out at Iggy's. We ate so much food there! Muranda, Brittany, Serenity, and Me.

New York City

2008-09-06T10:33:00.018-06:00

We had the BEST time in New York! I KNEW I would love it there! There is so much to see and so much to do - we could have stayed another week!! It wasn't your typical "relaxing" vacation, but we didn't care - we were so excited to see it all! We stayed at the Franklin Hotel on the upper east side of Manhattan. I loved it - it was recently remodeled and it reminded me of a Restoration Hardware magazine. It was REALLY SMALL - and I mean really small, but so nice and I would recommend it to anyone! It was right by the subway too so it was really convenient! We took a bunch of pictures, but I soon realized that we need to invest in a new camera.:) Sorry for the long post - I LOVED NEW YORK! Here is the rundown:

TUESDAY

We got there early Tuesday morning - tired (dang redeye flight) but excited! We dropped our stuff off at the hotel and headed to do the "touristy" stuff. We were told to take the Staten Island Ferry to see the Statue of Liberty. It is free and it dosen't take as long. We loved it! Lady Liberty is beautiful and we enjoyed the nice boat ride:)

Then we went to the World Trade Center site. So emotional. It was so sad to see that there is still a huge hole in the ground. It was hard to believe that two huge towers once stood there and to imagine them crumbling to the ground. There really isn't a place to take pictures because it is surronded by huge chainlink fences and black tarps. There is a temporary museum type place set up right next door to the site so we decided to go in. It was incredible. I recommend it to anyone going to New York. They had artifacts there that were found while sorting through the rubble. There was an airplane window, coins that had been melted together, and a huge piece of the steel that one of the towers was made out of. It was totally burnt. There were free standing colums and on them were buttons you could push and hear the firefighters talking back and forth on their walkie talkies and quotes from people who expierenced it and text messages that were sent to loved ones. It was really hard to read and hear. They also had one wall that was covered with the pictures of the lives taken. That night we headed to the US Open. That was so much fun!! We had reserved seats at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This stadium usually holds the top players matches most of the Open. When you buy the tickets you don't know who you are going to get to see - they do the draw the night before - and lucky us - we got Venus Williams in the first match and Roger Federer in the second!! After his match we went down and got his autograph!! Hey Roger!!

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday was our day off from the sporting events so we decided to head out and test the shopping waters! We went to Canal Street. SO FUN! You know I bought a purse! I loved wheeling and dealing them! We spent a couple hours there and decided to do more "touristy" things. We headed to Magnolia Bakery and enjoyed a famous cupcake. Then went to eat luch at Papaya's - hot dogs only $1.25!

In the afternoon we went to go and do a session at the Temple - and it was closed for cleaning! We were so sad! I had heard so much great stuff about this temple and we were so excited to see it. It is so crazy how it is just on a busy street. Don't mind the picture - I totally cut off Angel Moroni.

Later that night we had dinner at Blue Smoke House - great BBQ place. We then headed to Times Square aka the Vegas Strip. I seriously felt like I was in Vegas. I liked it, but I think I expected more from it. We walked over to Rockafeller Center and checked things out there. It was fun to see all of the ads on the buildings. I even saw a huge Vitamin Water ad with D-Will in it - that was awesome. After a long day and night - we decided we better get some sleep!

THURSDAY

We got up early on Thursday to go to the Today Show. In case you missed it - we were on TV! Too bad Meredith was the only one there, but it was still fun. And I got some free wrist weights from the lady who was doing the ouside segment that day. We also went over to the top of the Rockefeller building. You go up 70 floors and you can see all of New York City. Of course, our camera battery died while we were up there - so no pictures. But it was really cool!

That afternoon we went to the last Red Sox vs Yankees game in Yankee Stadium. THAT WAS GREAT! Even though Giambi won it for the Yanks in the bottom of the 9th - it was still fun to see:) We were sitting in the upper tier on the third base line - they were great seats! The foul pole was right in front of us - we were hoping for a foul ball:) Yankee fans are hilarious - you mix direct heat, lots of beer, and overall Yankee craziness - and it was a fun game! Go Sox! Thanks Daryl for the tickets - you are great!

Thursday night we went to dinner in SoHo - on Daryl. Nice guy. Thanks so much!! We loved our dinner! After another long day - we headed back to the hotel for some much needed sleep. We knew we had a big day ahead of us!

FRIDAY

Friday morning we were up and on the subway by 7:00 am - off to another day at the US Open. Only this time we had the grounds passes - which is basically general admission to any of the courts except Arthur Ashe. The gates don't open until 10:00 am, but we happen to know a guy who was going too so we went early with him - good thing we did - we got front row seats!! We watched tennis all day. We didn't leave until 10:30pm. I really liked these tickets. I would recommend getting them for one day. We saw the #5 player - Davadinko, we also say Robby Ginipri (USA guy) and Jo-Wilfred Songa! It is such a different game sitting that close to the court. The tennis balls would hit the board right in front of us - it was so great! 15 hours of tennis- can't complain!!

The last match kept stopping for rain so around 10:30 we decided we should leave to go and get dinner. John and his wife, who were our friends we knew, came to dinner with us. We ate at a sports bar, The Joshua Tree. Great place! Highly recommend it!

SATURDAY

Today was the sad day - we had to leave. Our plane didn't leave until around 5:00 so we met up with my cousin Kellen, who attends NYU, and he and his friend Kristina took us around Centeral Park. I think we were in the park about an hour and a half and we really didn't see that much of it. It is HUGE! But so great!

Here we are at the Castle in the park. Really cool!

We decided to walk down 5th avenue and check out all the "high roller" stores. OOO I loved Harry Winston! We also ate lunch at the famous Serendipity. Of course, we had the frozen hot choclate. Look how big their menus were. Hello?!? Thanks Kellen for showing us around!

Well, it's over - but we came home with so many great memories. There is so much to do there and we could have stayed another week to do it all. Oh well, I guess that means we have to go back! Fine by me! I keep telling Jake that we are going back next year for more US Open action! I really want to see Roddick play!

We really missed Walker but he did really great at Megan's and my moms. Thanks guys - we really appreciate all your help while we were gone:)

Mauss Family Pictures - the grandkids

2008-08-22T15:01:00.008-06:00

Every few months or so we try to get all the grandkids together on the Mauss side for a cute photo. What a better time to do it - Josh and Becca were visiting from Michigan! They turned out so cute - even though it is hard to get 7 kids to smile at the same time! Thanks Megan for taking the picts!

Charlie, Walker, Luke, Annie, Bowen, Will, and Jackson

Walker just hanging out!

Megan took a couple of pictures of our little family - who knows what I was looking at - obviously not the camera! Walkers favorite place to hang out - dads shoulders!

We also celebrated mine, Justin's and Ashley's birthdays that same day! It was great! The best part - the cake that my sister-in-law brought! She is so great. She called me and said "I want to bring the cake" and I said to her "I bet it has the Jazz on it" (i was only joking!!) Lo and behold - it really did! After she showed it to me she said "I didn't know what to say when you said 'i bet it has Jazz on it' because I had already ordered the cake." Not only was the cake AWESOME - but it was so tastey too!! She knows me all to well. AND I am the #1 Jazz fan- her husband, Justin, is the #2 Jazz fan - works out perfectly our birthdays around the same time! GO JAZZ!

I tried saying "no"...

2008-08-18T21:16:00.001-06:00

AHHH! I got a new calling this week - 2nd counselor in the Relief Society Presidency. Are you kiddin me? I thought I was safe from this calling living in Sugarhouse! HELP!?! Anyone have advice.

My birthday suprise - totally unexpected!

2008-08-10T20:50:00.003-06:00

So I usually don't do a post about my birthday but this year there is an exception. I must start off by saying I HAVE THE BEST HUSBAND IN THE WORLD! Although my birthday is really on Monday - he gave me my present today. (even though I told him NO PRESENTS this year) He suprised me with a trip to New York that includes seeing the LAST Red Sox vs Yankees game at Yankee Stadium AND a day at the U.S. Open. I WAS IN SHOCK! I have been telling him that I want to go to New York but I really thought that we would wait till we were both turning "30", or if we happen to come across a really great deal. He has been planning this since April - SO NICE! We are leaving Monday August 26th and returning Saturday August 30th. So here is how he did it: We went for an early Sunday morning walk. On our way back home Jake says to me "Today is a great TV sports day for us." I said "I know - USA Basketball this morning, PGA Golf for you" and he starts saying "Oh and the Red Sox/Yankees game is actually on right now and US Open Tennis trials are today." I said - thinking how wierd "I didn't know Red Sox/Yankees were even playing - and how wierd that it wouldn't be the Sunday night ESPN game. AND US Open trials can't be on most of the top tennis players are in Beijing for the Olympics." He says back to me "no really, they are on the TV right now." As I walked in the door to prove him wrong and turn the TV on - right there stuck to the TV - were tickets to the baseball game and the tennis match. Brought me right to tears! Two of the BEST baseball teams playing one last time in a historical stadium and the chance to witness tennis greatness in Arthur Ashe stadium. So in the end - I can't wait to leave. I can't wait to sightsee, shop, eat, and expierence New York. I was thinking about wearing my Dodgers shirt in honor of Manny. Ha ha! I guess there is a chance that I might get beat up if I do that - but it would be funny. Go Sox. More to come after the trip....

Done and Done!

2008-08-06T21:23:00.002-06:00

Oh how I LOVED this book! I really couldn't put it down and my house has been in shambles the last few days. All I have to say - I LOVED IT only second to Twilight and can't wait for the movies!

Just some fun pictures

2008-07-29T09:52:00.006-06:00

Not too much has been going on at the Mauss home in the last few weeks. Just enjoying the summer and watching Walker grow up so fast. He is all over the place - crawling that is - and had finally mastered pulling himself up to his feet. We have been enjoying activities close to home, like the Murray Pool, Hogle Zoo and This Is The Place park. (and I always seem to forget my camera) I can hardly believe that summer is almost coming to an end. Here are a few pictures of just hanging out at home:)

He found a napkin and then destroyed it! He loves to pull himself up to the side table and look through the photo album He loves suckers. But of course, after he is done EVERYTHING he has touched is sticky!

Walker and I at This Is The Place - he looks really sad but he had a great time. He loves getting close to the animals!

I'm so grateful for...

2008-07-13T19:50:00.003-06:00

Just the other night Jake and I were watching Sportscenter (the standard at our house) and the news story came on about Andrew Bogut and his contract he just signed for something crazy like $80 million dollars! $80 million dollars - hello?! Just signing that knowing that you are "set for life". So I started asking Jake what is the first thing he would do once he signed the contract and left the building? As I was knitting a blanket I was telling him that I would buy new cars (a white Range Rover), pay off mine and Jake's families homes, buy them cars, take them on trips, buy a new house "not a huge one but like 9000 sq feet" (hello that is HUGE), buy a vacation home in Newport, a loft in NYC, hire a nanny for a few hours a day, put some in savings, and of course SHOP, SHOP, SHOP!! Jake just looked at me and said "pay your tithing." After I listed a few more items he said in a nice way"stop talking about that, be grateful for what we have." How grateful I am for Jake and his ways of thinking. After he said that I have been thinking about it all week. I know that there is like a .0001% chance that either Jake or I would sign any contracts for $80 million dollars. It is fun to dream, but I really need to be grateful for what I have in my life right now. I am so lucky to have a home, family, a car, a job, food in the fridge, and the gospel in my life. I find myself complaining about what I "don't have" and dreaming of all the things I want in the future. I decided that each day I am going to write down 2 items that I am grateful for. So today Sunday July 13 I am grateful for: Extended Family: I love getting together on Sunday's with family to enjoy dinner and hang out with everyone. I am so lucky to have them so close. Walker has the best time crawling around trying to keep up with all the kiddos that can walk. My House: I love living in Sugarhouse. Most of the time I am complaining about how small it is or the fact that I don't have a pantry - but I really need to realize that as times in the world get harder for everyone I am so lucky to even have a house. I am sure everyone has heard this great quote from Sister Hinckley, but it is one I think of often when I get in these "ruts" of "I wish I had this, or why can't I have that"- "I don't want to drive up to the pearly gates in a shiny sports car, wearing beautifully, tailored clothes, my hair expertly coiffed, and with long, perfectly manicured fingernails. I want to drive up in a station wagon that has mud on the wheels from taking kids to scout camp. I want to be there with grass stains on my shoes from mowing Sister Schenk's lawn. I want to be there with a smudge of peanut butter on my shirt from making sandwiches for a sick neighbor's children. I want to be there with a little dirt under my fingernails from helping to weed someone's garden. I want to be there with children's sticky kisses on my cheeks and the tears of a friend on my shoulder. I want the Lord to know I was really here and that I really lived." Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley I am trying to remind myself everyday how lucky I am and I don't need $80 million dollars to make my life great!

4th of July!

2008-07-07T10:38:00.005-06:00

I love the 4th of July! I always look forward to it every year. Usually we have a BBQ in our yard and enjoy watching the fireworks that Sugar House park puts on , but this year it just didn't work out for most of the party so no BBQ- But we still had a great day!

We started off with a parade in our neighborhood. We decorated Walker's wagon and took him out for the ride. He enjoyed it - but we didn't last too long because it was his nap time. It was still fun to see all the kids in our neighborhood and all their decorated bikes.

We enjoyed a realxing day together as a family and then met up with Dan, Mare and Dottie for dinner. After dinner we put Walker down for the night and played the family favorite "Scrabble" with Dan and Mare and waited for the fireworks. At 10:00 we enjoyed the fireworks - Sugarhouse Park does a great job. They had a whole 20 minutes of fireworks! We love watching the fireworks from our yard because there are not any huge trees back there so you have a perfect view of them. Around 9:30 a lot of the neighbors come and "set up" their chairs in our yard to see the fireworks. We don't mind - they have been doing it for years now and that tradition kinda came with the home. We had a great relaxing day and look forward to more fireworks on the 24th.

He never looks at the camera - he is so funny!

Anyone up for fireworks on the 24th - you know where we will be:)

Enjoying the summer weather!

2008-07-02T10:20:00.008-06:00

Oh - are you just loving the summer weather or what! Took long enough to get here! I love watching the news and seeing the 7 day forcast - 90 and above all week! Jake isn't too fond of it because it is killing our lawn. But we sure do enjoy being out in it. Here are a few pictures of enjoying the sun! Hope ya'll are doing the same!

I took Walker to Lagoon - first time! I put him on a kiddie ride and he hated it! Thanks to Ellie for sitting with him and holding on. Poor guy. At least he liked the train!! Thanks Alder's for the invite to Lagoon day - we really enjoyed it! I forgot how much I really like Lagoon. I came home and told Jake that we need to go and ride the new rides. Anyone in?

"I'd prefer sitting in the stroller and eating a sucker" No more rides for him!

We decided to do a "pool party" for the kiddos. I got together with some of my friends and we set up the kiddie pool and the slide and let them go to town. They loved it! Ashton loves the slide!

Walker loves that little pool. I highly recommend getting one. He could stay in there all day. I don't mind getting a tan while he is enjoying the water!

And finally - a little visitor from the North Pole came to our neighborhood this week. We pulled into our drive way and our neighbor was out side with her camera and said there was a deer walking down our street. We followed it and got this picture in our neighbors yard. It finally ended up crossing the street to the golf course - stay safe buddy!

One Year Pictures

2008-06-12T21:23:00.011-06:00

I was SO excited to get Walker's pictures done. I scheduled the appointment way back in March. I went to this great photographer in Lehi, Skye Johansen. She specializes in babies and kids. She is the best! Here are a few of the pictures we got back. We think he is one handsome guy:) I was so worried all week because Walker was getting a moler and he was so sad. I was hoping he would just smile for the 45 minutes we were there - and HE DID. I was really grateful for that. She has the cutest props (mostly for girls) but there are a lot of really cute things for boys too! She had me bring a cake to have him eat at the end.

I wanted to post a few pictures of when he was born. It is so crazy how they change so fast.

Look how tiny he was. This was his first day home.

He was in the NICU for the first few days - he was so tiny! I remember going in there to feed him and just being so excited that he was ours:)

This was right after he was born! He is so cute:)

Happy Birthday Walker!

2008-06-12T20:55:00.009-06:00

I can hardly believe our little guy is officially ONE YEAR OLD! Time went by so fast! I remember right after he was born saying "I wonder what it is going to be like when he is one?" Well here we are - he is so much fun and I love every day I spend with him. His birthday was Sunday June 8. We had a great birthday party for him - baseball themed. We had Big League Chew, Cracker Jacks, baseball cupcakes, mini bags of potato chips, hotdogs and hamburgers. The invites were so cute! Thanks to Kim for putting my idea to paper! The invites looked like a baseball ticket- they were really fun! It turned out so great! We spend most of Saturday getting ready making the cake, cupcakes and getting our house and yard in order. Thanks to Jake for all of his hard work in the yard. We enjoyed the time with friends and family. Here are some pictures from the party Thanks Jackson and Annie for helping open Walker's presents. He didn't really care to do it:) He was so lucky and got some of the best gifts! Thanks so much to everyone who spoils him. Some of the things he got were a wagon, swing for the tree, baby instrument set, Jazz PJ's, a magnet board (that Morgan made) with those cute Leap Frog animals and letters to play with, a basketball hoop, fun books, these really cool markers for tiny kids, and this great kids place mat you take with you to resturants. I was so excited for that! Here he is eating the cake. He would lightly touch it and eat the frosting. He put some in the back of his hair - I was hoping for more of a mess, but he wasn't really into it.

The cake! I am pretty proud of it! I made it all by myself!! It took some time, but I was really pleased with the outcome! I really didn't take that many pictures - sorry. I was too involved in making sure the party went great. One major highlight was the kiddie pool. Well, it was really to hold all the drinks, but the little kiddos LOVED it. They had more fun playing in the ice cold water than anything!! Muranda's little boy, Ashton, kept making the sign for "bath" because he wanted to get in. He was already soaked from head to toe! My little sisters boy, Boston, kept picking up the drinks and throwing them back in and all the kids standing around would laugh! It was so funy. Thanks for everyone who came. It really turned out great!

Here are a few fun facts about Walker at One Year Old:

- he LOVES being outside. Either on a wagon ride, stroller ride, or playing in the dirt.

- He loves fishes and birds. He makes sounds for them when you ask him where they are. Fish = shhhhh and bird = bbbbb.

-He is really ticklish under his arms and on his belly. When Jake gets him ready for a bath and he takes off his onesie he immediatly starts laughing before Jake even gets to his arms - he knows that he is going to get tickled.

- He eats pretty much anything - even though 99% of his food ends up on the floor. I say "no Walker we don't do that" and he looks at me, picks up the food, and throws it on the floor all while he is still looking at me. Jake and I seriously laugh and we try to have straight faces but it is way too hard.

- He LOVES dogs. We don't even have a dog but anytime he see's one he gets all excited and can hardly sit still.

- He waves bye bye - and it is SO cute. He open and shuts his hand. The other day he was outside sitting in the dirt and he was waving at the neighbor and we didn't even know it.

- He likes Watermelon.

We love you so much buddy and don't even know what we would do if you weren't in our lives! You bring so much joy to our house and we are so excited to get you up every morning. Mommy and Daddy love you tons and tons!

What we have been up to lately...

2008-06-06T15:04:00.008-06:00

We were able to go on a hike with the Young Men and Young Women from our ward. They are all going on trek this summer so they were getting prepared by hiking. We went to "The Overlook" up Milcreek Canyon. This was Walker's first official hike! Thanks to Jake for carrying him in the backpack the whole way! (thanks Mur and Adam for letting us borrow the pack) The hike was 2 miles each way. When we got to the bottom of the hike we enjoyed breakfast with everyone. Walker did really well! He was sad a little bit on the way down (nap time) but over all he really enjoyed it! This is his new smile - sometimes he won't show his teeth. Cute buddy! Here is what we say at the top of the hike - it overlooks the Salt Lake valley. It was really pretty. I have a crappy camera and I think the picture looks pretty cool. We have been working in our yard a lot lately. Thanks to Jake and his mad skills - I usually just sit and watch or take care of Walker. Walker LOVES to be outside and "helping" daddy when he can. He loves the dirt - we caught him eating some the other day. Oh well - boys will be boys! On Friday Walker got his first haircut! He actually wasn't too sad about it, but the picture kinda looks like it. He wore the shall thing the whole time and didn't even cry! Thanks Ashli for cutting his hair! It really needed it.He loves to play! He has grown so much in the last few weeks! He plays with all his toys by himself, gets into the "toy cabinet" and gets out all his toys. He has finally figured out how to push the button by himself on the ball popping toy. He makes me laugh every day. He is starting to pull up on things and he is crawling like a maniac!

Aprons!

2008-05-27T21:06:00.008-06:00

So here they are... the aprons that my mom and I made for Mother's Day gifts. Thanks a BUNCH to my mom for all of her hard work. She is the MASTER sewer and I am her trainee! It was so much fun buying all the fabric and seeing the vision come together. I am planning on selling these - once I can get all the fabric together. They are really fun to wear and make great gifts! If anyone is interested I can make them to your liking - color and fabric pattern. I haven't fully decided on a price yet - I am still researching what the average price aprons are selling for, but I am thinkng somewhere in the neighborhood of $35.00 each?? I seem to always end up loving the most expensive fabrics.

Park City

2008-05-19T21:44:00.006-06:00

We headed up to Park City last weekend with my family for some well needed R & R. Thanks to Whitney and Tony for getting the condo and letting us stay up there with them. We had a great time playing the Wii, shopping, swimming, golfing, eating, and enjoying everyone's company. On Saturday morning the guys went golfing at Wasatch Golf Course. While they were there, Marc, my brother-in-law hit a hole in one! Nice work Marc! Jake was so excited for him! Thanks for the good times in Park City!

I couldn't get him to look at me - but he was loving the shallow part of the pool! We took Walker swimming for the first time and he loved it!

Tony, Mike, Marc and Jake after Marc hit the hole in one.

Look for his name in the paper on Sunday:) Nice work Marc.

And he's off...

2008-05-15T11:05:00.002-06:00

FINALLY - Walker is crawling! We are so proud of him! He has been trying for a few weeks and he finally picked it up the other day! He is all over the place now, but I love it! Good work Buddy! Lets start walking! just kidding!

We {heart} the Jazz!! Part 2

2008-05-05T10:10:00.003-06:00

Oh man! Thanks to a call from Jake's uncle (THANKS BRAD!!) we were able to go to the Jazz-Rockets game 6! WHAT A GAME! We were able to sit in some great seats in the lower bowl and it is a whole different ball game down there! I proudly wore my D-Will jersey, even though for a few days there I was thinking it was the "curse jersey" and I should stop wearing it but after his round of 3's in the 3rd quarter I think the curse was gone. Thanks Meg and Jake for taking Walkie! We really appreicate it!

Here are some highlights from the game:

- Beating T-Mac! The best sign I saw all series was "2nd round virgin"

- Wearing my D-Will Jersey

- Seeing D-Will get pumped up after a great 3rd quarter. I love it when the players get so involved with the crowd.

- watching a conversation between Masha and Andrei Kirilenko. At the end of the 4th we saw her in the crowd talking long distance to Andrei on the bench. We tried to make out what they were saying, but I think they must have been talking in their native tounge:)

- OOO I loved getting the thunder sticks - those things can make some noise (I would like to apoligize to the man in front of me in the Boozer jersey - i hit him on the head with the thunder stick) Sorry!

- I love reading the signs. People are CREATIVE!

- I love seeing people come dressed up. There are a lot of fans who have the old old school stuff. That is SWEET! We saw a guy in a full on rip away outfit that was the old gold and green. NICE! (ok everyone BUT Larry Miller can dress up - wow)

- Last but not least - the WIN! Bring on L.A. (ok even though we lost yesterday - it was still a pretty good game)

The sad part - I went to buy tickets today for Friday's game - $80.00 for 16 row of the UPPER BOWL! thanks, but no thanks! Party at our house Friday 7:00!

One last thought - is it wierd if I wear my jersey to church on Sunday! just kidding!

We {heart} the Jazz!!

2008-04-27T15:07:00.004-06:00

My dad, Jake and I If you don't already know - it's true - we LOVE the Utah Jazz!! We catch every preseason, regular season and playoff game! We were lucky enough to attend Saturday's playoff game with most of my family. It was so much fun! I have been to a lot of playoff games in the past and I don't think I have ever heard the crowd as loud as I did last night. It was crazy! Before we went to the game I told Jake I wanted to get a D-Will jersey and his reaction was "are you serious?" So I told him that I would just wear my Bryon Russell jersey (yeah #3) and he was not going to let that happen! So lo and behold - I got my jersey and I LOVE IT! D-Will is the best point guard in the league! He can take CP3 to school any day! I wear it with PRIDE!:) We had a great time at the game and hope to go to many more. I have to wonder - what the heck is up with Boozer - drive to the basket buddy!!

GO JAZZ

It's FINALLY here and our "controlled burn"

2008-04-11T09:30:00.012-06:00

Proudly hanging our Masters Flag It is officially here. Jake has been waiting since April 9 the day after Zach Johnson won it last year. He talks about it all year long and even started a business with his dad and brother - Amen Corner Partners. In the last few weeks everytime the commercial comes on he is silent (and everyone around him needs to be too). He recorded the commercial on his cell phone and had the "theme music" as his ring. Yes it is true, THE MASTERS are finally here!! Most of you know Jake is crazy about golf and this is by far his favorite five days of the year! Starting with the Par 3 round and then to the 4 rounds at Augusta! Thanks to his brother Justin (who is just as Masters crazy - if not more) Jake was able to go to Augusta with his dad, brothers and brother-in-law and see the Masters in person. He got some good pictures of Tiger, Phil and the course. Everyday I called him he "was in golf heaven" and loved every moment of it. He brought back lots of memorabilia, posters, cups, tees, shirts, and a flag. We proudly display our flag outside.

Here are some pictures from the Masters

Justin and Jake on Amen Corner Tiger Woods Hole #18 at Augusta

Now to the controlled burn. So when we were going to put up our Masters flag we had to take down our American flag. It was hammered! It has holes and rips from being outside in the wind all year. We new we had to destroy it so Jake found the "proper" way to destroy an American flag. They said the best way was to burn it or take it to a flag store and they can burn it for you. Of course, Jake wanted to burn it himself. SO he went to the fire pit in our backyard and Walker and I watched him burn the flag. Jake was pretty proud of his scouting skills in starting the fire and he ended up burning some dead bushes that were in the backyard.

Jake with the flag

Jake burning the flag in out backyard

A few pics...

2008-04-04T20:58:00.008-06:00

I have taken a few really cute pictures this last week.

We were getting ready for church on Sunday and I was deciding what Walker should wear and I totally forgot that he had this dress shirt that came with a tie. I really think it might be the cutest thing he has ever worn. He looks so old! By far, one of my favorite pictures!

One handsome guy! Look how skinny his legs are! Hilarous. I know I am bias, but come on he is one cute guy!Jake went skiing with his dad, brother, and sister so I was lucky enough to watch Luke and Walker. They were so much fun. They are only 6 weeks apart and they were playing so well together! I tried to get a better picture, but they would smile and the minute I held up the camera they were like "huh?" Muranda walked over to my house the other day in this awesome wagon. It has straps to buckle the kiddos in and even cup holders. Ashton is so funny, he will take a drink then put his sippy back in the cup holder. These two have a lot of fun together. I am so glad Muranda lives so close!

They decided to come in for a minute and hang out! Great photo op!

Walker is getting so big I can't believe it! Everyday when I go get him up it seems like he has grown so much over night! We love him to death and love watching him grow!

Bag Tag

2008-03-30T21:30:00.005-06:00

I was bag tagged! (thanks, Debby!)

Here are the rules:

1. Take a picture of your bag

2. Show a picture of ALL the contents in your bag and then name them NO CLEANING OUT FIRST!!!!

3. "Bag Tag" five to ten people

4. Leave a comment on their blog that says "You've Been Bag Tagged!"

As I was taking everything out of my bag - it was a sad realization that I still carry a diaper bag. I miss my purses!! Here it is -

Just your standard backpack. I wanted this sweet diaper bag that was SOOO cute, but it was WAY out of my price range so I went with this cute Dakine bag that I foundin Haleva, HI.

Ok here is the list - book and toys for Walker, mints, lotion, Walker's toothbrush (what is that doing in there??), feminine products, wallet (always a must), lip liner (there it is!!!), treats for Walker and occasionally myself, diapers, lotion, wipes, zip lock of coupons, mini calendar, check book, journal, Walker's medicines, ooo Target gift card, and last but for sure not least - Jazz schedule (always need one handy!!) Oh yeah and sanitizer hooked on the bag! Suprisingly there weren't any crumbs - but there is an apple juice stain on the inside:)

I think it might be time for me to ditch the diaper bag and bring back the purse!! Yippie!

ok I tag: Kim, Whitney, Muranda, Tori, and Jill.

Easter

2008-03-25T09:36:00.008-06:00

We had a great Easter this year. It started on Saturday dying eggs with Walker. He didn't know what was going on - so we only got 7 eggs done and then headed to Dan and Mare's for an Easter egg hunt. We look forward to that every year. Even though Walker dosen't understand it was still fun to see all grandkids hunting for eggs. Sunday we woke up and the Easter Bunny came! I tried to get a picture with Walker and his basket - but it never worked out! So we got him in his Easter outfit and enjoyed church and remembering the Resurrection and then had dinner at my Grandma's house. My mom set up an Easter egg hunt for Boston and he loved it! He was so excited about every egg he found. What a great holiday to gather as family and be so greatful for what we have! While putting together my visiting teacher treats for the month I found a great scripture "He is not here; for he is risen" Matthew 28:6 Although a short one, a very powerful one! Easter Eggs we dyed:) Turned out pretty cute!

Walker's Easter basket:) Lucky guy - got all the good treats:)

Boston hunting for egg

Jackson showing me all the eggs he got at grandmas house.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T15:34:00.005-06:00

We were LuCkY at our house this morning - the Leprachans came! Walker set out a cute box that we had painted and decorated and the Leprachans left him gold coins, candy and a really cute wiggly headband! He wasn't too sure what was going on - but I know he liked the headband. He wore it all morning!! We celebrated St. Patrick's day last night with my family. My mom made cornbeef and cabbage. YuMmY! I always look forward to that each year! Thanks mom!

Hope everyone had a great day. I hope you wore your green and didn't get pinched!!

Here he was this morning - loving his box and treats!!

Full of great treats - for Mom and Dad too eat! YUMMY!!

Thanks Beccca for the great idea!

9 Months Old!!

2008-03-09T21:17:00.008-06:00

I can hardly believe our little guy is 9 months old!! Time flies!! We went to the doctor today and here are his stats:

Weight: 17lb 6 oz - he is in the 10% for his weight

Height: 28 1/2 inches - he is in the 50% for his height

Head: HUGE - he is in the 80% for his head! He has a big noggin!!

The doctor told us to include foods in his diet that are high in calories so he will gain weight! Just like his dad - tall and skinny!! He is growing so fast and learning so many new things. In the last week he has learned how to do "so big" and clap his hands. He is getting two more teeth -that makes 6 teeth!! He is so much fun. I am so glad it is getting warm outside, he loves to go on walks and it makes his day to be outside!! We had some pictures done at JC Penney a few weeks ago - just to get a few quick shots. I think they turned out so great! I love the first picture - it looks like a school picture!

Happy Birthday - In Sunny St. George

2008-03-03T14:20:00.007-07:00

It was Jake's birthday last week and all he wanted was to play golf. So we decided to pack up and take the family down to St. George. My family came along with us - guys for golfing and gals for shopping! We decided to rent a house so we could all be in the same place and found a great one on Green Springs Golf Course. It was so much fun to sit on the back patio and watch the golfers as they came by. The weather was in the mid 70's - yes mid 70's. SO NICE! Jake got a sun tan from being outside all day! It sure was nice to get away from the cold weather in Salt Lake. I am ready for summer! We celebrated Jakes birthday on Saturday at dinner and some ping pong games at my cousins home. We really enjoyed the weather and being with the family. St George is such a fun getaway - and it's only 4 hours away!! Happy Birthday to the best husband in the world! Thanks for all you do for us! I hope you had a great time golfing:) Here are some pictures of the weekend. Walker and "T-Pa" hanging out in the morning. The standard for Walker - sitting in his walker on the back patio watching te golfers. He loves the outdoors! Whitney and Morgan soaking up the rays! It was so nice to feel the warm sun! Jake, Boston and Marc hanging out on the back patio. Boston got his pump for his diabetes on Thursday. He is such a good kid. What 2 year old do you know that can wear this pump around his waist 24/7 and not touch it or rip it off? He is a trooper. He has started saying everyone's names and Grandma and Grandpa are the best - "nema" and "t-pa". Oh I just love him so much!

Longing to be outside...

2008-02-21T21:21:00.003-07:00

Funny story. We went to dinner the other night with Jake's family. It was almost Walker's bedtime and he was getting fussy. After switching him back and forth from me to Jake and walking around the restaurant with him he was still not a happy boy. Jake decided to take him to the window to look outside. Next thing I knew Jake was back at the dinner table and he didn't have Walker with him. Where was Walker might you ask? Well, Jake sat him down in a booster chair in front of the "emergency exit" door - so he could look outside. Happy camper he was there! He stayed there for a good 15 minutes while we finished dinner. He wouldn't look at us unless we called his name. Don't worry, he was right behind us and we kept watching him - we didn't just leave him by himself. How funny though - "i'll be fine over here just watching what's going on outside." He really is obsessed with the outdoors. If he is crying the minute we walk on the front porch, rain or shine, he is happy. What a cute little boy we have!