Darren and Ashley Sparks

Trey

2012-02-04T11:42:00.000-08:00

Trey has had issues since he was 3 weeks old about and got RSV. He has had so much congestion and snot in the back of his throat that its been rough on the little guy. Well the last time I went to the doctor they said we need to start breathing treatments and see if it helps. He doesn't like it at all. He screams until the last couple of minutes and then he relaxes. So far it has help alittle bit. He doesn't cough as much as he was. Fingers crossed he doesn't pass to much to his sister. She has started to sound stuff and cough. So we will see.

Baby Blessing 1-29-2012

2012-02-01T13:15:00.000-08:00

We blessed the babies on January 29 2012

We were going to do the blessing the first sunday in Feb. but when we got the call Tuesday night that Darren would be gone Monday Jan. 30 & 31 for the furniture market we changed it. I didn't want to have to stay alone with the kids since they are super fussy at night. So since it was last minute changes some people weren't able to make it. We still had Alan, Sharlie, Dannon, Jaxon and Marlene come, along with my parents. It was still very nice and I was glad to have help while Darren was gone.

We are growing fast

2012-02-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

Trey getting a bath.... Shaleys turn....

Shaley has started to smile...

They are 3 months old. They got weighed yesturday: Trey 12lbs 4 oz 23inches long Shaley 10lbs 5 oz 21 inches long. They are starting to sleep good at night for us. We feed at 10pm and then they wake up at 5am.

Super Chase

2012-02-01T13:01:00.000-08:00

Chase and Mason got invited to Grants birthday party (down the street). It was a super hero themed party. She made them capes and masks. Chase wore his upside down......

They had alot of fun. Chase didn't want to take his stuff once he got.

Shaley

2012-01-22T15:10:00.000-08:00

Is growing fast also... She is weighing in at 9lbs.. look she is starting to get chubby. She smiled on Jan. 18 2012. Now just to get a picture of her smiling.

Trey

2012-01-18T18:23:00.000-08:00

He is loosing his hair on the top.... He is chubby and growing fast...... 10lbs 10oz.

Lately

2012-01-18T18:13:00.000-08:00

Lately Shaley and Trey have slept alot... Grown alot...

Mason got the chance to be the STAR STUDENT for a week...

Here is a picture that he drew of himself for the class...

We have discovered that Chase gets car sick....

The twins have started to sleep better at night. We feed them at 10 pm and put them to bed around 11pm and they sleep till 4 or 5 am. We have been trying to figure out their stomach issues with the doctor and Shaley has a GI test scheduled soon. Hopefully they will be able to find out why she spits out her nose, which then causes her to quite breathing. Making it a scary time. We have tried different formulas on both babies and that made the problems worse. Shaley just got weighed yesterday and weighs 9 lbs 2 oz, she is 21 inches tall. Trey weighs 10 lbs 10 oz he is 22 inches tall.

This Past Year Recap

2012-01-02T13:24:00.000-08:00

This past year:
Darren is still working at Home Furnishing Direct as the Manager. He is still the First Counsler in our Bishopric. He is still driving our 2001 Toyota Tacoma Truck. He broke his foot playing basketball with Mason.

Ashley still stays at home with the kids. Had to get alot of dental work on her teeth. Found out she was pregnant with Twins. Spent alot of time resting because it was a higher risk pregnancy and had alot of contractions/growing pains. Finding out about the twins ment they needed a Mini Van so it would be easier to put them in and better gas mileage. Got put in as the Relief Society Secretary. Then about in Oct had to stay in Mesa and await the birth of the twins. Finally on Oct 27 at 6:39 &6:41 the twins were born C-Section. I now am trying to handle all four kids in the day.

Mason 6yrs old is in the first grade. He played Baseball, Soccer, took Swimming lessons and took piano Lessons. He has been a big helper with his brothers and sister. He lost some teeth and is still wiggling more.

Chase 3yrs old has started preschool at Flip City. He hasn't really wanted to go but likes it once he gets in the gym. He has been growing fast. He likes to help out with the babies. He has learn to do alot more things by himself to help out mom.

Trey was born Oct 27 @ 6:30pm weighing in at 4lbs 10 oz. He is now starting to grow very fast. He loves to be held and is a very fussy baby.

Shaley was born Oct 27 @ 6:41pm weighing in at 3lbs 15 oz. She is also starting to grow but she is still very tiny. She can suck on her pacifier alot better than brother. So usually she has to wait her turn to be feed second. Brother can't wait.

This year has gone by fast for us. We are glad to see what the new year will bring to our family.

Photos

2012-01-01T11:49:00.000-08:00

We had some photos taken by a lady that I was told was so good and cheap. Well she Charged me $150 and they are terrible. I got a total of 25 pictures and 6 of them are just of the babies feet. I got 2 pictures of my family and 2 pictures of all 4 kids. I called her to see about getting any more and she tells me that she only gives what she edits. Well I have learned my lesson. I will only go with someone that has been used by someone ALOT. I know have to get new pictures done again and know that I just missed out on the new born look. The babies are now 2 months old and are growing great. Shaley weighs 7 lbs 14 oz and Trey weighs 8 lbs 10 oz. They had to get shots there last apt and did really well. They did cry but just for a little bit.

New Year.. New Church Class

2012-01-01T11:43:00.000-08:00

Today is Sunday JANUARY 1 2012 That means that it is time for a new primary class. Chase is now in SUNBEAMS. Mason is now in CTR 7 (I believe). They gots these suits for Christmas. Fingers crossed that Chase does good at going to his new big boy class. He was excited because he did not like nursery at all and was excited to see Mason in Primary.

We were joking with them that people were going to call them Brother Sparks because they were looking like there dad. Chase does not want anyone to call him that. Mason thinks it is so cool that he has a suit like his dad has to wear. Before they had even left for church Mason was already saying how hot he was. We will see if they last wearing the jacket the whole time.

2012-01-01T11:41:00.000-08:00

Grandpa Norton with the kids

Norton Get Together Dec 29 2011

2012-01-01T11:33:00.000-08:00

Amazing Jakes..... Dec 29 we had a get together and the kids had fun. Chase surprised us by going on all the rides he could go on.

Mason and Remy just went off and did their own thing so we didn't get any pictures but this one

Siboney was even a good sport and went on the rides we didn't want to go on to please Chase.

It was alot of fun to be together but we did miss Tyler and Mollie who stayed in Utah because she is pregnant and having contractions early on. She is due in April with a girl.

MY FIRST CHRISTMAS

2012-01-01T11:28:00.000-08:00

They didn't like this too much.....

Kids in front of Tree

2012-01-01T11:25:00.000-08:00

Trying to get a photo in front of the tree... Not the best but will do....

these got deleted off the Christmas post...

Christmas 2011

2012-01-01T10:49:00.000-08:00

This year we stayed home for Christmas since we had just had the twins. We didn't want to travel and try to spend the night with them, since we wake up every 3 hours still. On Friday Dec 23 it was Mason's last day of school before the holiday break. We get a phone call to come and get him because he had thrown up in the class room. Well that was only the beginning. He had the FLU for the rest of Friday. Then on Christmas Eve he still wasn't quite himself. But he was able to enjoy the party we had with the Schenks that we had over at our house. Earlier he went with Darren and Chase to pick me out some presents. He was too sick the day before that him and Chase just gave Darren what Chase had choosen. Mason also wasn't able to go get Chase something, so we had wrapped something and put it from Mason. Christmas Eve we played games, ate Nachos Bell Grande and had yummy Cheese Cake. Then we gave the boys NEW PJS.....

SANTA CAME.....

This gift is from Mason to mom & dad.... It was an ornament he made....

This was from Chase to mom & dad.... It was an ornament that he had made...

Now the Present from the boys to Darren. Chase went to the store and when we got home I told him it was a secret and not to tell. The first thing he does when he walks in the house... TELLS.

Darren took the boys to buy my stuff and they talked to Chase alot that he didn't tell except Mason did tell me one of the presents because he wanted to have it....

This was it....

Chase wanted to get me a barbie and so Darren took him to the dollar store and he found the Cinderella statue....

Mason chose a watch...

Present time for the boys....

Babysitting

2012-01-01T10:47:00.000-08:00

This is a typical Darren babysitting. It just is easier to hold the babies and let them sleep. They love to lay with their dad.

Chase preschool program Dec 20 2011

2012-01-01T10:43:00.000-08:00

Chase had their Christmas program Dec 20 and as you can see he didn't want to do it. I was just going to have him sit by me and watch but Mrs. Danielle said No he can do it. Well this is all we got out of him.

He is way to shy. Hopefully next year will be better. That is his friend Talynn next to him.

Shaley & Trey Friends

2012-01-01T10:41:00.000-08:00

Every once in awhile I will put them in the same chair to calm them down. They seem to like it for a little bit.

SNOW

2011-12-20T08:41:00.000-08:00

On Friday 12-16-11 Darren took the to older boys to play in the snow on Mingus Mountain!

We love that we don't have to shovel snow off our driveways but we can drive within 10 minutes to play in it. The boys had alot of fun.

SANTA at the ward party

2011-12-10T21:54:00.000-08:00

Tonight was the Black Hills Ward Party. They had a dinner and then the primary kids sang some songs. That is Mason holding one of the signs and then the YM & YW acted out the Nativity and then the special guest came..... SANTA! Mason with Santa...

Chase with Santa...

Trey and Shaley with Santa...

Our new family.....

Darren even wanted a turn... Santa has no finger in that glove.... A reindeer bit it off.

This year we had Brother Mike Gibson come up and be Santa. He and his wife Leah have lived here as along as us and this year they move to phoenix. We miss them alot. I had to bring the twins out to see him because he names all my kids. Mason is Duncan Thatcher. Chase is Franklin Safford. Now Trey is Jerome Clarkdale. Shaley is Sedona Payson. We just love the nick names he calls our kids. Brother Gibson is missing a finger and so we wondered how he was going to pull that off without the kids remembering who he was. I think he did well. The boys had a good time. When we were leaving the church Mason and Chase were bummed because they were wanting to watch Santa fly away. Mason was hoping to see and pet the reindeer. Maybe next year.

Ginger Bread Houses

2011-12-10T21:47:00.000-08:00

Today we made graham cracker houses.... MUCH easier for the kids and cheaper than buying ginger bread ones. Chase frosting away.... Mason working away....

Time to decorate....

All Finished.......

I kept trying to take his photo and the eyes would close so this is the only one with open eyes.

The boys had alot of fun making them and it kept them busy for awhile. Which is nice since when they are together they are so loud. But they are having fun so I shouldn't complain that they are loud. Every time I would go and check on the boys to see how they were doing they would be eating the candy or picking the frosting. Now that the houses are done and sitting on the counter they are eating the hard candys. The houses might have to get thrown away.

Temple Lights 12-7-11

2011-12-10T21:43:00.000-08:00

When I went to my doctor apt it wasn't until 4pm and when I got out I needed to get a gift before we headed home. I told Darren since it was starting to get dark that we should drive by the temple lights real quick for the boys to see and I haven't been by for a long time. So here is a quick photo..... The boys in front of the manager scene...

The boys loved looking around and it was a good way to get their energy out from sitting in the car at the dr apt, so they would be ready for the 2 hour drive home.

The twins first outing for lunch 12-7-11

2011-12-10T21:33:00.000-08:00

DEC. 7-2011 I had my 6 week check up in Mesa and my grandparents happen to be going to the doctor that same day so we planned to meet them for lunch. They hadn't seen the twins yet so that was exiting. Michelle had been to the hospital when I had them so it was fun for her to see how they have changed. Aunt Michelle holding Trey.....Great Grandma holding Shaley....

Great Grandma holding Trey...

Great Grandpa and the older boys....

After lunch they got ice cream....

My grandpa doesn't really like to hold babies so that is why I don't have any with him. Mason and Chase loved having their great grandpa to hang out with.

Santa came to Clarkdale

2011-12-03T11:41:00.000-08:00

Santa came to Clarkdale today and we braved the cold snowy/rainy weather to see him. Santa was 30 minutes late because he got stuck in the snow.... Mason went first and as he waited in line he couldn't think of what to ask Santa for so when he got there he told Santa, "Just Surpise me." That's my kind of kid! So come Christmas morning Mason will see what he got!

Chase went next and asked Santa for a "Hexbug Hive"....

Then we wanted to do the twins and well it was alot harder than we thought to get a good photo of them.... But at least we have the memory of them meeting with santa....

Snug as A Bug....

2011-12-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

This is how we wrap the twins for bed.... DARREN is the official swaddler...

Chase Preschool 2011 pictures

2011-12-01T19:34:00.000-08:00

They had picture day at school and this time they had you just buy a cd and then you can print what you want. Chase 3yrs old

No Thanksgiving

2011-11-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

This year since we just had the babies we decided to stay home from Thanksgiving. My mom came and got the boys and took them to Mesa to be with my family at Michelle's house. They had alot of fun playing with their cousins.
Darren and I had Carls Jr hamburgers because they were free. Our stove went out the day before and so Darren was installing a new one. Trey had Rsv and wasn't feeling well. Then toward the night Darren's secretary brought us Thanksgiving Dinner they had.
Then at 10pm we went to Walmart for the black friday and that was awful. It was so crowed because it was earlier. But we got what we went for and that was good to save money.
I am thnakful for our new larger family and for our extended family for helping us out. It means alot to know that we can count on them for help. I am thankful for our friends who have watched our older boys, brought in meals, and have just been willing to serve us how ever they can. I really do like this town and the people.

For Personal Use

2011-11-30T18:20:00.000-08:00

This is written so I can remember this stage:
Things have been so stressful having 2 more babies to the family. They are a month old and it seems like it has gone by fast but also slow. We have to feed them every 3 hours to have them gain weight. We got permission to let them at night go more if the babies want to sleep but it hasn't been the case. They are gaining weight and starting to feel out alot more. We are both going on lack of sleep because we both do the feedings at night. In the day I have to feed one first and usually the other sits there crying waiting for their turn. It is not easy trying to get 2 babies feed, ready to leave because of the 3 hour feeding. By the time we get it all done it is almost time to feed again. So I don't really go anywhere.
My biggest fear was them getting RSV and so in the hospital they told us that it lives on clothes up to 8 hours and it is in the air. So they told us to have the boys change their clothes when they get home from school and then also if we go to a public place to change. Well Trey got it Last Tuesday. I took him to the dr and they said that it wasn't in the lungs yet to just keep an eye out. Well luckly it never spread but he lost his voice and still has lots of mucus in his throat. We are keeping our fingers crossed that Shaley doesn't get it.
They both are spitters. We are trying different formula to try and help the spitting and being un comfortable after the feedings.
The boys have been good. But they just kiss them waaaaay to much. Chase is always trying to lay on them or tough their heads. I have to get on him to stop. Mason is also trying to kiss them always and hold them. He wants to walk around with them but that is a big NO.
I find it hard to get things done around the house because they are fussy.
I know that it is going to get better and before I know it I will miss this stage in their lives. Right now I am just a little over whelmed.

Thanksgiving Program

2011-11-30T18:15:00.000-08:00

Mason's 1st grade class (Mrs. Densmore) had a Thanksgiving Program...

They read a class book that they wrote about the first Thanksgiving. Mason writes," there were 102 pilgrams that sailed on the Mayflower and it took them about two months to get to North America."

Trying to get a kid photo... Not easy

2011-11-30T18:07:00.000-08:00

As you see nothing turned out. It is harder than you think to sit all four down for a photot. Chase would be upset because he wasn't getting to hold the baby he wanted too. Then he wanted both like Mason, and then he didn't even want his picture taken. The babies weren't liking it either and you can see. Hopfully one day we will have a good one. These will just be memories.

Grandpa Norton came to visit

2011-11-30T17:57:00.000-08:00

While my dad came to visit we had some things around the house that needed done. They did some yard work, fixed some holes in the wall from door knobs, fixed our shutters, and even cleaned up darrens work bench. It was nice to have him here to help out with the boys and even feeding the babies. Mason and Grandpa doing yard work.

My dad took the boys to Tuzigoot National Monument that is just down the street from our house....

They became Junior Rangers......

They had lots of fun hanging out with Grandpa. Chase told me that it is where the indians lived and now they live somewhere else. When we drive by the turn off Chase lets us all know that he has been there to Tuzigoot. The funny thing is, is that he can't say Tuzigoot very good.

Chase

2011-11-30T17:55:00.000-08:00

I just love this face and can't believe how big he is. I never knew how big he was until I brought the new babies home. He is one big kid. But he has the funnest personality.

Brotherly Love

2011-11-30T17:51:00.000-08:00

What can I say but these boys can't get enough of their new brother and sister. They are always kissing them, trying to hold them, hug them, touch them, you name it they are trying it. Chase has also starting to do everything Mason is doing and just wants to play and be with Mason. We have to remind Mason to be nice to his brother.

First time taking a bath

2011-11-30T17:44:00.000-08:00

TREY went first and liked it ....

SHALEY was next and wasn't sure... she ended up liking it....

all clean and ....... Relaxing....

Thanks to the helpers

2011-11-30T17:41:00.000-08:00

We have had to have alot of help through the end of the pregnancy to after the twins arrived and we owe all the help we got from our moms. So a BIG THANK YOU to them.

The lastest on the TWINS

2011-11-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

The twins have been doing well. We have had to travel back and forth to Mesa alot. But now we are all home and I am updating the Blog. This was the picture I was able to take before I left them in the hospital.... When we came back to visit they had washed their hair and put a bow in Shaley's hair...

and Combed Trey's...

This was the day Trey was getting released with out his sister and I was crying but wanted a photo with both of them. Nov. 4, 2011

Darren's turn...

Only the way home we have to feed them every three hours so that ment stopping in Black Canyon City to do a feeding...

The Brothers are so Happy to have babies around!

we went on Nov. 7 2011 to get Shaley released and we had to take a CPR class and so the nurses said they would watch them. So they got to have some loven again...

Time to go home!!!!

We are so glad to have both babies home! It has been interesting on taking care of 2 babies but so far we are enjoying our time as a family again.

HALLOWEEN 10-31-11

2011-11-01T11:21:00.000-07:00

Chase was the NINJA TURTLE & Mason was the SKELETON

They had lots of fun and lots of parties to go to!

The TWINS ARRIVED 10-27-11 6:39pm & 6:41pm

2011-11-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

On Oct. 27, 2011 I went in for my usual ultra sound and I knew going in that it wasn't going to be good because I had been Dialted to a 2 and 80%. So they look and tell me that they is not alot of fluid again and it looked as though they weren't growing well. So I knew I was either going to deliver them or sit in the hospital and be monitored. Well Dr. Layton decided that it would be best to have them and that it needed to be that night. So at 4:30pm I checked into the hospitial to get ready for the c-section scheduled @ 6:30pm. I was 34 weeks & 2 days. So here we go with picture over load. We named Baby A: TREY DAWSON SPARKS he wieghed 4lbs 10 oz 17.7inches Baby B: SHALEY JADE SPARKS 3lbs 15 oz 17 inches

Trey was able to visit for a minute....

Crazy Hair Day 10-24-11

2011-11-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

It was Drug Free Week at school and Tuesday was crazy hair day. I think Darren did a good job for being home alone. Mason was pleased....

Halloween Activities

2011-11-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

Pumpkin CARVING....

Shirt Tie Dye....

Pumpkin Patch 10-14-11

2011-11-01T10:43:00.000-07:00

I got put in the hospital with the babies while grandma Sparks was here and so she took the boys to the pumpkin patch in Camp Verde. They had alot of fun.

Mason ended up looking like a tiger and Chase was spiderman. They had lots of fun!

BOYS HAVING FUN

2011-11-01T10:41:00.000-07:00

Mason and Chase decided to have a pretend fire and roast marshmellows.... It kept them busy for awhile..

Remy and Mason playing basketball... They came to visit in October to get furniture

32 & 33 weeks prego pics

2011-11-01T10:39:00.000-07:00

32 weeks 33 weeks

Soccer Pictures 10-1-11

2011-11-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

First Football 10-7-11

2011-11-01T10:35:00.000-07:00

Darren took the boys to one of the Mingus Football games this year....The Boys were super excited!

Mason's drawing

2011-10-10T10:31:00.000-07:00

Yesturday on the way to church Mason was drawing and when we got to church he showed me the picture...........

It is Jesus on the cross with blood coming out of his hands and feet. He is saying: "Forgive them for they no not what they done."

Chase's Mad Face 9-28-11

2011-09-28T21:00:00.000-07:00

Today Chase wanted to show me his mad face..... So here he is mad!

I just wanted to write this down to remember:

Chase is in the stage of calling Darren and I by are names instead of mom and dad. The other day I went to pick him up from school and he says to the teacher," Ashley is here" or at other times he will say "Darren isn't being nice or Ashley don't do that". He has got quite the personality going on.

Funny Teeth 9-17-11

2011-09-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

The boys went to a birthday party where they were given these funny looking teeth........ and funny looking glasses..........

Book Fair Fun 9-1-11

2011-09-28T20:45:00.000-07:00

Don't you just love the school book fair? Well I hate it. They price things super high and they take the classes around to look at everything so they will buy something. This year didn't disappoint. Mason found something he wanted a Steve Nash poster and Chase came with me and had to buy something so he got a book that Mason can read to him about Legos.

Chase ready to work

2011-09-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

He got these rakes for $0.60 today and was going to work in the back yard. He wanted his picture taken of him before he went to work.

IT'S SOCCER TIME AGAIN!!!!

2011-09-27T13:45:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! Soccer Time! He was able to be on his friend TY's team this year (whose dad is the coach), so that made him happy. They are called The Clarkdale Dragons and he is #4.

This season is different from the last season. They play longer and on a much bigger field. When they had their first game of the season they lost and Mason tells me that he wished he was playing football with his friends. They have since won the next two games so I think that he is now starting to enjoy it more. Mason is doing really well and the last game a coach said," we want to see his birth certificate." He is just very talented when it comes to sports and he is FAST & can KICK the ball FAR. He scored 3 goals at the last game and on the way home he was disappointed that he hadn't scored more than that. He started the season 9-10-11 was the first game and it goes till the Saturday before Thanksgiving. So we have every Saturday booked because the games are later in the day or afternoon.

More Pregnancy Photos

2011-09-27T13:32:00.000-07:00

Here are some update looks for me... I have the funniest faces on them because I just hate pictures but we want to remember how big I am getting.... This is 26 1/2 weeks 27 weeks

28 weeks

30 weeks

I am 30 weeks today and it is hard to believe that I could be having these babies in a very short time. I have been getting ultra sounds every month for the last 2 months. This last time I went in the baby girl is't growing as well and so tomorrow I have to go get a Level 2 High Risk Ultra sound. I am nervous about what they might say. I have a hard time breathing and sitting. There just isn't enough room anymore in my body. I have had alot of cramping and Just not feeling well. I am on medicine for my 2 bladder infection which wasn't cured from the previous medicine I was on. I am hoping that this medicine has cleared it up. Otherwise I am doing good and just trying to rest and stay off my feet.

Granny Rapier

2011-08-25T19:30:00.000-07:00

This is my Granny Rapier (great grandma) we needed to get somethings from my grandparents who were visiting her at the time (8-19-11). I didn't have my camera only my cell phone so it is a little fuzzy. She is 93 yrs old and can't see anymore or really hear. I hadn't seen her for a while because we just don't make it down to the valley that often and plus when they have the one day reunion we usually have soccer or something going on. When we do get to see her it is always nice to get a photo with the boys so they can remember her.

Just to remember

2011-08-16T20:02:00.000-07:00

Today when I went to pick Chase up from preschool he told me I didn't cry mom. I said," That is awesome." We get out to the car and he tells me Mr. Jared is mean. I ask him why. He then tells me, "He put me in time out." I ask him what he did to get in time out and he says something about a bean bag and Rowen. Through out the day I finally got this out of him. He had to sit for 5 minutes and that made him cry. He then said that they were fighting over the bean bag because Chase lost his. I then told him we have to share with our friends and ask for help from our teacher. I just hope come Thursday he wants to go again.

I also wanted to write down my new calling in church. For the awhile now I haven't had a calling. I got released from the primary presidency in Dec. and then just flew under the radar. Well then I was going to get a calling and everyone found out that I was pregnant with Twins and they thought that I will have my hands full and to just wait. Well Sunday morning (Aug 14) I get a phone call if I could meet with the bishop. I said yes and then texted Darren,"you're going to get it." He should at least give me a heads up. Well what had happen was that morning in their bishopric meetings they hadn't heard from the new Relief Society President that was going to be called that Sunday on who she wanted. I guess she emailed Bishop but he didn't get them. So he called her and she told him the counslers and then she said my name for the secretary. Darren said as he sat there he could hear bishop on the phone saying," You know she is pregnant with twins." Right then Darren knew it was me. So he didn't know to give me a warning or anything. So I get to the church still not knowing what the calling is going to be and how come someone would want me when I could be out for along time. When I get to church there is also Pam Banks, Jolynn Backus, Nicole Littlejohn and I am wondering what could it be. Well when it is my turn I find out it is to be the secretary and I am just shocked. I did not want to except this calling because I know how long I could be out from church and just plain not knowing my future. They called me an assistant secretary to take over when I am out. My thoughts on that (if I need an assistant then just don't put me in). Well I excepted the calling and now all I can do is my best until the babies come and then go from there. (This was the calling I had when we first moved to here. I gave all my old stuff to the secretary that then gave it back to me)

My Growing Belly

2011-08-16T10:24:00.000-07:00

I am going to be brave and put up the pictures of my stomach, just so that I can have them for my blog book and journal entry..... This first photo was June 19 2011 @ 16 weeks.. 18 1/2 weeks

20 weeks

23 weeks

Today 24 weeks

I feel that at night I am alot bigger because they move more to the top of me and the front. Also the way the photo is taken makes a difference on the way I am looking. I already feel that I have no more room in me and I just know that I am going to get a whole lot bigger. Which scares me about loosing the weight. I just try to tell my self not to worry about it as long as I have healthy babies.

Chase goes to Preschool 8-9-11

2011-08-16T10:13:00.000-07:00

On August 9 Chase started preschool at Flip City. He goes Tuesday & Thursday. The first day he did really good at going into school. Then the next day he didn't want to go. He still had his stitches in the first day of school. So here he is... Then I realized I didn't take a photo with his backpack on so today we took one....

He needed to show off his moves.....

He still doesn't want to go in to the school but the teacher is really good about getting him in there and telling him what they will be doing. So then I leave and I don't ever get a call to come get him. So I just assume that he is doing ok.

1st Grade

2011-08-04T20:28:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that this little face is a 1st grader......

Chase needed to get in on the picture with Mason to show how big he has gotten.....

Today was the first day of school. I took Mason because he wasn't sure if he remembered where his class room was. We pull up and as we are walking he just takes off. I was like Mason wait for me..... He remembered where to go and didn't need me any more. I amazes me how different year to year make. He rode the bus home and when asked how school was he was back to normal of not remembering anything. He did finally tell me that he had fun and that there is alot of different kids in his class, along with some of his old friends. Here's to a good school year!

Painting Shirts 8-3-11

2011-08-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

My mom was up for a couple of days while Darren was gone to Las Vegas for the Furniture Market and she brought some stuff for the boys to do. They painted these shirts and she was way more patient than I was when I tried to do this with them for the 4th of July. They had so much fun. My mom came up to help me get some organization in my house and to help clean some stuff out. We also were able to take some time away to go to Prescott to look for maternity clothes and to stock up on my pantry and food items. It went by way to fast but was so much fun having her here. I feel the next time I see her (since school is starting for her) will be when I have the babies. I am 22 weeks pregnant now.

Stitches Again....

2011-08-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

On Sunday 7-31-11 we were at church and in Sacrament meeting when it was just about over and Chase getting ready to sing the song. He was getting on the bench or something but he fell foward off the bench and hit the song book holder that is wood. He hit right on the corner and at that moment I knew that something bad was going to happen. He starts to cry I pick him up and take him out and lay him on the couch to find his forhead busted open. I grab some tissue and go and get one of our friends that is a PA and he said it looks like stitches is needed. So I start to leave toward Sedona where there is an urgent care open on Sunday. I get a call that our neighbor (who is doing his residence to be a doctor at our local hospital) that is also in our ward had stuff to stitch him in his car. So I come back and we head to his house to get him stitched. Chase did really well. He cried alot as they put the medicine in him with the needle and then he was fine. He kept his eyes close liked we asked so he would not move. A big change from the last time he got stitches. He just needed one to hold it into place. It does look like it will scare but I guess he will just have to remember the story that goes along with it. He is his photo a couple days after the stitches......

He loves to show people his stitches. So he was really excited when I took the photo of them. Let now just hope that it keeps healing and he doesn't fall and bust it open again.

Mountain FUN 7-26-11

2011-08-01T10:42:00.000-07:00

Last week when Darren was off we decided to go up on Mingus Mountain and cook hot dogs & smores and just have fun. Here are the boys....

The boys played baseball and then we went on a walk. We couldn't go far because of Darren having and boot on and I was having cramping. We went to make a fire and the wood was wet and not burning well. So we decided we would just go home and do the food. When we left it started to rain. So we new that we made a good choice. It was a fun evening.

Vacation Bible School 7-18-11

2011-07-23T12:47:00.000-07:00

Mason is in the front row with the grey shirt on....

Mason and his friends did vacation bible school at a church that is right around the corner from our house. It was from 9-12 everyday. Oh how nice it was to have him gone doing something other than fighting with his brother. I was worried after the first day when they asked what his religon was. I thought they are going to put him in his own group. Luckily they didn't do that. He came home and would tell us the bible story they learned and what they did. He enjoyed doing it. The last day they had the parents come to see them sing a song called,"God is Wild About You". We now only have 1 more full week of summer and then Aug. 4 school will start. It will be nice to back in a schedule. He is excited to go back to school as well.

Football Camp 7-19-11

2011-07-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Mason has some friends that are going to play football this year and they invited Mason to do a football camp with them. It was only for 3 night for 2 hours every night. But he had alot of fun. He now is mad that he is playing soccer and not football. I wanted him to wait till he was a little older to play football since he is a bit smaller than some of the 6 year olds. He was excited for soccer until the football camp came about.....

They would play a game at the end of practice and it was shirts verse skins... The first night Mason came home and said that he had to take his shirt off. He didn't really like that part. The next night he came home and was excited because he caught a long pass and scored a touch down and then he got to throw the ball and he did really good at that. He has some major sports ability and loves to play all sports if they just wouldn't over lap.

Pregnant with WHAT

2011-07-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

This is journal writing.... NO PICTURES..... I guess it is time to write down my pregnancy story since I am halfway done. It started when I found out in March that I was pregnant. I was shocked because it was only about 1 month being on Femara and it worked. (I took the same medicine with both my boys.) I became really sick shortly after and thought this morning sickness it awful that no matter what happen this time around it would probably be my last time being pregnant. I didn't throw up much just nasty nauhea all day long. I just couldn't remember it being this bad. We were so busy with baseball and school that I just keep waiting to get my apointment to go see the doctor. Finally school was going to be out in May and I was going to go to my parents house for Mason's birthday that I thought I should go to the doctor before that to make sure everything was ok. We had some friends in the ward going to be sealed as a family and I new that we both couldn't go because of the time they were doing it at. Mason was still in school and needed someone here to get him and watch Chase. So when I called the doctor the day they had open happen to be the same day May 18th that they were going to the temple. So I was the one that would be going. Darren didn't come because it was just the first appointment to make sure I was pregnant and everything was ok. I just didn't see that he needed to be there. Boy was I wrong. (I am 11 weeks pregnant.)
I get to the doctor and the first thing I say is, "I just want to make sure there is a baby in there because this going to be my last pregnancy and I have been super sick." He said," will take a look." He starts the sonogram and says there is a baby, there actually is TWO. Right then I went into shock. I remember putting my hands on my head saying there is 2 heart beats... and everything looks ok. He then said they look good, they are in 2 different sacks, and the membrane line is thick. I am Due DEC 6 but he said I will go early. He let me wait on my blood work since I was not sure about my insurance and since I was still in shock. We schedule the next appointment and I leave.
I get in the car and see that I have about 1 hour till I needed to be at the temple. The first thing I do is look at my cell phone and see that I have some missed calls from Darren. I call him and tell him that everything is ok but that it is TWINS. He says to me,"SHUT UP" "SHUT UP", YOU BETTER NOT BE JOKING." I then let him know I am not joking and that I have another call coming through. So I say I will call you right back. When I call him back we talked for alittle bit and I am still just not sure what just happened.
I call my grandparents to get the number to the school where my mom works and I let them know what I just found out. My grandma says," I won't tell anyone until you tell me it is ok to tell." (I don't like to tell people until I hit the safe zone) My grandpa gets on the phone and tells me he will go to the school and have my mom call me. So she calls and I tell her my new secret. I go to the temple still just shocked about what has happened. When I sit by Tandy and she asked if I was by myself and I said yes because I had to go to the doctor. She asked if everything was ok. I then just thought I need to tell her. So talked until time to go to the room. I get in the sealing room and just start to cry. I was happy for our friends and I just had a whole lot of hormones and shock starting in on me.
I make it home and asked Darren if he told anyone and he was like," well when I hung up from you Bishop happen to call and I was just in shock so I had to tell him. Then I called work and told them because Jason has twins." Then the word just kinda stopped here.
Then my grandma could not keep a secret that she begain telling family members and then others she would see. So I went to my parents house not really knowing how many people knew my new secret. She wanted to annouce it at Relief Society but it happen to be combined. So I was glad for that. Well the next week she remembered she hadn't announced it so she shared that news. So really the whole town where my family lives know my secret but people up here no nothing.
I wasn't really showing much so it was easy not to share anything. But little by little people would find out and then share it with others.
This past sunday I had alot of people ask me if I was pregnant so I now know that I am showing to where I don't look like I am chubby but pregnant. I am 20 weeks along. I am doing alot better. For the first little while I kept thinking that I was miss carrying or something just wasn't right because I was cramping, and just hurt. Now I know that it was just growing pains and streching because I have grown so fast. I still have my good days and bad one but little by little I am feeling better and able to do more house work.
I just went to the Doctor on July 13th and found out that I am having 1 boy & 1 girl. So now I know that I probably had to have twins in order to get a girl. We are excited to be having a girl but nervous of what is to come. We know it is going to be hard work and will take lots of patience. The boys are now excited about having a baby that Chase says you have babies in your tummy. There will be lots of adjusting and praying that he does ok.

Darrens Birthday 7-19-11

2011-07-20T20:19:00.000-07:00

Darrens 31st birthday was on Tuesday....... The boys just got things that they thought he would like because he didn't need anything..... Darren loves Big Hunks.......

They also got him Jerky, Hot Tamales, some little Screw Drivers, and a Sun Shade for the van. Chase was right next to Darren the whole time and when it got to the jerky before Darren could open it Chase said,"It's Jerky, Can I have some." So here is Chase enjoying his jerky.....

Then we went to work to have cake and ice cream with the employees ...... Darren didn't want to get his picture taken but I made him so he did a real goofy pose.....

I think that he had a great birthday. It is hard when you get older because it is just another day. Chase asked Darren probably 10 times in the day,"Dad it's your birthday" or "Dad is it your birthday?"

Fun at the Freedom Station 7-16-11

2011-07-16T16:33:00.000-07:00

Darrens mom came up to work and was able to stay the night and play with us the next day. We went to Prescott to the Freedom Station to miniature golf, rock climb, and to do token games. Here the boys are ready to go......

Chase is posing for the picture.....

Mason getting ready to go rock climbing....

We had alot of fun hanging out with grandma and doing things that were inside to cool off. We are glad that she was able to stay and play for the day.

Hotel Swimming

2011-07-16T16:28:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday July 13 we went to Mesa and spent the night in a hotel. All Mason wanted to do was go swimming.....

Chase swam on the steps, or with one of us holding him. Mason would swim all over and dive for rings. He had alot of fun doing what he loves to do. Mason also loves to stay in a hotel for the breakfast in the morning. I think it is because he just can go and choose what he wants and usually can get it himself. My Mom, Grandma & Grandpa Howard were staying there as well so it was a fun get together.

Broken Foot

2011-07-10T18:41:00.000-07:00

On Friday July 8 Darren was off and was playing basketball with Mason and went up to block the shot. Chase then shot as well and the ball rolled under Darren, so when he came down he landed on the ball. He thought maybe he sprained it but he was in alot of pain. So he went to the Urgent Care and sure enough it was broke. Last bone on the foot.....

They told him to wear a boot until he can go to the Orthopedic Surgeon.

This has been hard on him but also the boys. They love their Dad and are always wanting to play with him. When he is not at work, he is sitting in the Recliner with an ice pack resting his foot. I hope that he hasn't done too much to make the break worst. Here's to 4 weeks or so in a boot and me doing more than I should be.

OUT with the OLD- IN with the NEW

2011-07-07T15:44:00.000-07:00

We have alot of changes coming to our family this year and one was we needed to get a vehicle that would get better gas mileage, and easier access for kids to move around. Well yesturday we said good by to our Tahoe. Chase did not want to let it go, he takes after me. Mason was ready for something different, like Darren.

We got a van. I will need to take a better picture later.

It is new to us. We bought our tahoe brand new and realized that we could save more money if we would just buy used and find one with low mileage. It is a 2008 Honda Odyssey EX-L. It only had 27000 miles and it was traded in from an older couple. I am hoping that our sales man didn't lie to get us in. It is very nice inside. It has navigation, a back up camera and a dvd which will be nice for the boys. On the way home it was a lot nicer of a drive because it actually has more power than our Tahoe. So far the boys like the new car we just need to get the windows darker tint.

4TH OF JULY 2011

2011-07-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

This year we decided to make shirts to wear for the 4th. Well that kept them busy for a little bit but then the day came and Mason didn't like his. But he had to aleast take a picture in it.

At the Parade waiting for our friends to come. Darren works of course so we always celebrate by ourselves. The parade starts a 9 am in Clarkdale.

Chase, Mason, Tomas, Patrick, Rory

We met Smokey the Bear. Chase again wanted nothing to do with him. I finally got him to stand next to Mason for the picture.

They had firetruck rides.....

It was supper hot! They also had carnival games to play and win prizes but I didn't get any photos. The kids really enjoyed it. We then went home and went to the Muphey's house to swim and eat lunch. That was nice but we got alittle sunburnt. Then later that night when Darren got off we got invited to the Shultz's for dinner and to watch the fireworks. While we were there it FINALLY rained. We had not gotten anything forever. It not only rained but down poured, hailed, and rained more. We were afraid there was going to be No Fireworks because of the rain. But the rain stopped just in time for the fireworks and then picked right back up shortly after the fireworks ended. Here are the kids playing in the rain.....

Time to watch the fireworks... My flash was a little bright....

This is how Chase watched them... Holding as tight as he could to Darren. He told us they scared him because they are too loud. But can't wait to see them again.

We had a nice 4th of July. Thanks to those who helped us enjoy the day. When we got home we noticed a board in our neighbors drive way and I just thought where did that come from. The next day I noticed it came from our house. The shutter from the top front of our house blew off and around our house to there drive way. We are just glad they weren't home when it happened so the was no damage to there cars.

PUMP IT UP

2011-07-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

We went to a birthday party the end of June to Pump It Up. When we first got there Chase wanted nothing to do with it. He would cry and want Darren to take him. Finally he got brave enough that he would follow Mason.

FATHERS DAY 2011

2011-06-19T11:26:00.000-07:00

My boys were so excited for Fathers Day. They wake up early everyday but today Darren wanted to sleep in so it was hard to not let the boys bother him. Needless to say he got to sleep in till 7:00 Am. Here they are with their gifts they bought him.....

They were so proud of what they got him. This year I took them to the dollar store to get him something because he didn't want anything and really didn't need anything. Chase picked a tape measure and screw drivers with a train card. At the store Chase really wanted the card and everything else he picked out. But today he was willing to let his dad have them. Mason picked out things he knew his dad would like. He got him a pepsi and jerky. Which after Darren has been at church all day he usually can use a pepsi. We also got him some turtle fudge and a pair of pants. Then Chase & Mason helped make Blueberry Muffins with fresh blueberries. It was a good fathers day morning.

Mason Swim Lesson Level 2

2011-06-17T14:21:00.000-07:00

Mason did swim lessons again this year from June 7-17 @8:30am. He was able to do alot more stuff this year and not be scared. He ended up passing this level so we will start Level 3 on Tuesday June 21.

The Favorite thing for the kids is Jumping off the Diving Board......

Mason Turns 6

2011-06-04T11:21:00.000-07:00

This is Mason reading his birthday card from Grandma & Grandpa Sparks.... Then they both got banks and some money to put in them..... Mason also got a Baseball stand that he throws the ball at....

Then on Mason's Birthday he wanted to go eat at Dennys..... So we had Grandma & Grandpa Norton, Grandma & Grandpa Sparks, and Cousin Jaxon's and his cousin Andrew.....

They were super nice and brought Mason a hand written card with their own personal money. He got $6 from Jaxon and then Andrew gave him an airhead candy & $o.50. Mason was so happy. After Breakfast we left to go to Duncan for the weekend.

While we were in Duncan Mason played lots of baseball, basketball & tennis. We went and brushed the horses. We had a fire and made smores. They got hair cuts and played in the water. We did lots of things and I didn't get one picture:( At least we have the memories.

Mason's Birthday Presents 5-26-11

2011-05-26T14:27:00.000-07:00

We had today be Mason's birthday at home because tomorrow we will leave for a fews day to visit our grandparents.....

After presents it was time for a donut with candles.....

We had his friend party last Saturday, then we celebrated today so that he could get his presents from mom and dad. Then when we are in Thatcher & Duncan we will be there on his real birthday so he wants to go out to eat at Dennys. We never go out for breakfast so he is very excited. I just hope that he is not to disappointed when he doesn't get any presents from me. He does have his grandparents to give him something. So he will be able to open something.

Baseball Party 5-25-11

2011-05-26T14:21:00.000-07:00

Mason had the end of the season Baseball PARTY at a boys house on the team (brandon)..... They have a nice back yard with a pool and jacuzzi... They had pizza, fruit, cupcakes.....

Then toward the end it was trophy time.... Brian handing out the trophies....

We had our last game on Tuesday May 24 and they won. Which was a nice way to end the season. They all were able to hit the ball and from the beginning of the season to the end there was alot of kids that improved. Darren would pitch when it came time for coach pitch. He enjoyed the season as well. Now we will start soccer which Mason can't wait for.

Kindergarten Graduation May 25, 2011

2011-05-26T14:12:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday Mason had his last day of school which ment that he only had to graduate and then go home....

Here he is getting his Diploma from Mrs. Smith...

It makes me sad to see how fast Mason is growing up. I can't believe he is a first grader. He will be in Mrs. Densmore's class next year. She seems really nice and sweet. I hope that he continues to like school and lets hope that it is not a long summer.

Mason 6th Birthday Party May 21, 2011

2011-05-21T13:54:00.000-07:00

Today we had Mason's birthday party since his birthday always falls on Memorial day weekend we weren't sure people would be in town. We started off playing the egg relay race...... Then we did a water balloon toss.... and water balloon fight....

Taking a break.....

We did a pillow case race.....

Had some lunch....

Had the Cupcakes that Mason made and Ice cream.....

Tom wanted to put his face in the Ice cream.....

Ty put his face in his cupcake........

Mason chose the Ice cream.....

Finn wanted his picture taken like this......

Pat did Ice cream....

Luke did Ice cream......

Chase wanted his messey face shown.....

They climb some trees.....

Then it was present time.... Spencer & Mason.........

Tom , Pat & Mason............

Ty & Mason.........

Finn & Mason..........

Luke & Mason.............

The party was fun and we are glad that everyone was able to come. It is hard to believe that he is going to be 6yrs old and in 1st grade.

Piano Recital May 20, 2011

2011-05-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

Mason had his first piano recital and had to dress in church clothes. So what does that mean, Chase needed to dress nice as well.... Mason got to sit between 2 friends Sadie and Shacee Backus....

Donna Lindemier is the teacher......

I dvd the recital so I was unable to take photos. Not to mention we got there 15 min early and had to sit on the very last row. Mason was 3rd to go on the recital and she teaches 40 kids. So that made for one long night (2hrs). We got the program and there is the name: Mason Sharp.... I am now starting to think that she doesn't know his last name. He has the summer off from piano but when we start back we might need to let her know his name.
Mason played the song; Star Wars. He has only been taking piano lessons for about 3 months. So he did a good job. The best part of piano is afterwards the teacher hands out treats.

Father and Sons 2011

2011-05-17T12:24:00.000-07:00

Friday May 13, 2011 Was our wards Father and Sons camp out. The boys were really excited to go and I was excited to have the house to myself. Here they are about to leave...... Darren said when they got there that Chase was fussy and wanted to come home to me. So he thought he just needed a rest....

Later that night Chase would end up throwing up and Darren drove him home about 11pm. Then was sick off and off for the night.

Mason got to stay and enjoyed himself...

Darren said that Mason thought that it was the best thing ever. I told Darren that he needs to take the boys again on an over night camp out so that Chase can do it without getting sick.

My Birthday

2011-05-17T12:19:00.000-07:00

This past Thursday May 12 was my 28th birthday.... Here are the boys with their presents they picked out for me...

They got me these beautiful necklaces. They also got me a pedicure. We decided to go to breakfast that morning to Dennys. Chase wasn't feeling very well so he didn't eat but Mason got a jr grand slam which was eggs, pancakes, bacon. I got a grand slam since it was free for my birthday but I just ate the eggs and hash browns and Mason wanted my pancakes as well. We couldn't believe how much that kid ate. Then my friends came by later that day and brought me another pedicure. I got cards with money that is always nice. It was a great day.

Mothers Day! May 8 2011

2011-05-11T11:20:00.000-07:00

This is a picture that Mason made at school for me and he wanted to take a picture of me holding it.... Here is Mason with his gift to me...... It is a pencil holder that he colored the paper and wrote; I love my family and I love you.....

Then on Sunday the boys gave me Flowers and Cookies.....

Darren took them Saturday to go get something. Mason of course new that he wanted to get me flowers. So at the store after Mason choose the flowers he liked Darren asked Chase what he wanted to get me. Darren said," Do you want to get a balloon?" No said Chase. "Do you want to get her chocolates", again he said no. Then Darren said that Chase was looking at these cookies that didn't look very good and he said," do you want to get her cookies and he replied YES". So then Darren had to convince him to get some cookies that would taste good. Then when they were getting ready to check out a lady in front of them asked the boys are these for you and they said," For Mothers Day." Chase told the lady that the cookies were for his mom and she said to Darren, "I bet they are for him" which Darren said I was already thinking that. So when they got home the first thing Chase wanted was a cookie and Darren had to tell him not till tomorrow. The first thing Sunday Mason and Chase brought me there gifts and Chase asked nicely if he could have a cookie.

Mason also made me toast with Jam for breakfast.

Water Fun

2011-05-03T13:27:00.000-07:00

The boys have discovered how fun it can be to get the trampoline wet and jump......

That kept them busy until I realized that our net on the tramp is broken where it hooks and that they were going to slide out.

Easter April 24,2011

2011-05-03T13:15:00.000-07:00

This year for Easter we stayed home. We dyed Easter Eggs.....

The Easter Bunny Stopped by.....

We did an Egg Hunt in our littel backyard......

I then made an Easter Dinner with Ham, Sweet Potatoes, Salad, Rolls, and Jello. I was proud of my self on the ham because it is hard to me to get it done just right. Darrren had church meetings before and after so we had our big dinner at 11:15 am. But it was good left overs for when we got out of church at 4pm. We had a great Easter.

The week leading up to Easter, our Stake had brought in Mark Mabry's Reflections of Christ. It was good to take the boys and have them see the pictures and us talk to them about the Reason we Celebrate Easter.

Chase turned 3 on 4-14-11

2011-04-15T13:57:00.000-07:00

Chase got this birthday crown from his power hour (it is twice a month at the Lutheran Church and it is where the parents and kids come and do a craft, activity, lesson, and have snacks) He got a card with $3 in it from Great Grandma & Great Grandpa (he was so excited)(just a bad photo)

The morning of his birthday he got to open his presents and I didn't even get a picture of him doing it because I was recording it and didn't think to ask Darren too.

We got the cupcakes and he loves Thomas... for the longest time he has been telling everyone that he will have a thomas cake for his birthday

Showing how old he is now... In his new birthday clothes

Time for the party... Chase invited his friends; Rory, Aubrie, Taylin. This picture is Aubrie and Rory playing the piano when they first got to the house

We had them paint butterfly banks....

Aubrie playing puzzles

We played pin the tail on the donkey. Chase wanted to wear the mask until he got closer and realized he couldn't see. So he took off the mask so he could put the tail on the right spot....

Rory put her tail on top of Chases....

Then we made door hangers....

Then it was present time... Rory gave Chase a Thomas Shake, Shake, Bridge

Taylin gave Chase bubbles and a dart gun...

Aubrie gave Chase some legos and Chase has not let them out of his sight. He won't even let Mason have a turn... Then it was CAKE time.....

Happy Birthday Chase! We love you lots. He is now talking alot better than last year. He still can't say some letter but he is getting alot more understandable. He is funnier and funnier with the things he does and say. He loves to give hugs and kisses. His mom is his best friend. He loves to box and fight with his brother. He still throws tantrums but he is getting alot better. Maybe because we give in more.

Things that have gone on

2011-04-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

The boys have built a fort

They painted car and train banks when it was raining and snowing last saturday

Mason has played the drums

Chase loves to do puzzles

We love that Chase can do puzzles and he loves to do them all the time. He can sit for hours and just do all the puzzles we have.

It's Baseball Time

2011-04-02T16:00:00.000-07:00

Mason is in Baseball again this year and he will be doing Coach Pitch. There team is called the Diamond Jaxx..... He is #1. Chase wanted his picture with Masons old baseball hat on........

I took my camera to get a photo even though we bought the package.....

Here is the team. It ranges from age 6-8 yrs

Mason's good friends are on the team and there dads are the coaches and so since Mason's birthday misses the cut off they said that he can be on there team instead of having to play t-ball 2 years in a row.(tball is sooooo boring) I am hoping that this year will be more exciting to watch. The coach on the left is named Joe, Then the middle is Seth (Tom's dad), Then Brian (Spencer's dad). They have there first game on Tuesday @ 7pm.

School Carnival 4-1-11

2011-04-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

Mason school had there annual school carnival to help raise money for the PTO and School things. They had different games to play and this is the cake walk. Each game cost so many tickets and this was one of the games that cost 2 tickets. But the thing that cost the most tickets was the facing painting and of course they had the longest line. So we did that at the end. You were able to choose from 6 painting choices and Mason of course choice the most manly, which was a pirate.........

Here he is with his friend Ty that also chose the pirate........

One more because they even gave an earing....

Chase was able to play the games as well but he didn't want to get his face painted. They also had snowcones for sale and nachos. We had to try those also and they were pretty good. The boys had fun and it was something to do after school.

2nd Tooth To Go

2011-03-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

March 27, 2011 6:30pm Mason just got his teeth brushed and Darren brushed alittle to hard and his tooth started to bleed. He came and showed me how loose it really was and I told him to start wiggling it. He twisted, and wiggled and finally pulled it out right before his dad had to leave for a fireside. Darren missed the last tooth coming out because it was right before church. Here is Mason showing off #2.

Here is his new smile, well this is just a funny picture. Darren wasn't sure if the tooth fairy works on Sunday but luckily she came last week and would be able to come again this week.

LOST FIRST TOOTH 3-20-11

2011-03-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Mason has had his front teeth loose for awhile and I wouldn't let him wiggle them until we got our family photos. We got the photos yesturday and when we got home he said,"I can wiggle my tooth now." So he twisted it and wiggled it..... And then twisted it one more time and OUT came the tooth, right before church.

Here is his NEW LOOK!

He was so excited that when he went to church he smiled at his dad to see if he noticed anything. Now Mason is so excited to go to bed because the tooth fairy will come. He said that the tooth coming out only hurt for a minute.

He has to go this week to the dentist to get another cap put on one of his molars and so we have been preparing him to be brave so we don't have to sedate him. We told him if he is brave and gets it done he can pick out any toy he wants. Anything to save $500. Let hope from him loosing this tooth it has made him brave!

(This is the first tooth for him to loose on his own. He did get a molar pulled last year)

Kindergarten 5yrs old

DONUT TIME

2011-03-12T11:26:00.000-08:00

The boys like to go see there dad at work but they also like it when they go and he has had someone bring donuts to the store ... Eating there donut!

Dr. Seuss's Birthday!

2011-03-02T14:00:00.000-08:00

Today was Dr. Seuss birthday and that means wear your PJS and eat GREEN EGGS & HAM....... They had the families come and eat breakfast before school and they gave each child a book to read (since it is national reading day). Mason got Twas the night before the tooth fairy, and then Chase got a book called Who needs a tree. Getting the books was an added bonus. Here are the boys eating...... They did not eat the eggs but I don't blame them I wanted to throw up just looking at them.

This is how Mason came home from school. He got to wear the hat and they did different Dr. Seuss things today. He said that it was alot of fun.

Chase has been helping out

2011-02-26T13:38:00.000-08:00

Darren has had to fix Mason's tire and Chase said that he needed to help. When Darren went to test the tube Chase was doing this..... Then Chase wanted help do house work....

Valentine's Day

2011-02-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

Darren Snowmobiling

2011-02-13T10:16:00.000-08:00

On January 30, 2011 Darren went with his Dad and Brothers (Alan, Garrett) to Utah to go Snowmobiling.

These were the picture he came back with. He had alot of fun but on Tuesday morning he said that he went out and then all of a sudden he got sick and went back to the Lodge and waited till he felt better. He was glad that he was able to go back out and snowmobile instead of being sick the whole day.

Sundogs

2011-01-30T19:44:00.000-08:00

We have a pretty awesome friend that has season tickets to the Sundogs Hockey team in Prescott that when he can't make it, he offers them up to us. Mason and Darren have gone alot with Tarin in the past and then this year we have gotten to goes as a family. They have a little Dog house where they have fun things for the kids to do and one was to get your face air brushed and the boys wanted to do it.

We didn't think that Chase would want to get his face done so they were going to do his hand with Batman since I wasn't sure the S was going to fit. When Mason was done Chase told the lady to do my face and he still wanted to have batman. They also got balloon swords that they were making. They wanted me to take a picture when we got home and since it was late Chase was already asleep. We had alot of fun and now Chase and Mason make Hockey Sticks out of legos and play SUNDOGS. That is Chases new sport that he always is talking about. He yells,"GO SUNDOGS".

100 days of school

2011-01-30T19:31:00.000-08:00

This is the way Mason came home from school on January 19th. He also had to count out a hundred of one item and bring to his class to show them what 100 looked like. He chose to take Honey Nut Cheerios because they are his favorite.

He loves school and still when you ask him his favorite thing about school it is P.E. It is so crazy to me that the school year is almost over and he'll be a 1st grader.

Harlem Globetrotters 2011

2011-01-15T12:11:00.000-08:00

We were able to go again to the Harlem Globetrotters in Prescott and it was just as good as the first time we went. This is "Globie" doing the preshow and being Vanilla Ice. He also was Justin Bieber, Willow Smith, Lady Gaga, etc...

Watching the game

This was at the point when they were pretending to take a drink and then threw the water on us. Well really it got on....

Darren, Marlene, Mason and a litle on Chase

They did some funny things and one was when they ripped off a players clothes, and then this player got his pants pulled off but he had a suprise for us.......

After the show it was signing time...... this player is named,"CHEESE"

His name is,"THUNDER"

His names is,"HOT SHOT"

We had alot of fun and this time Mason actually laughed alot and understood that they weren't playing serious basketball like he is used to.

Happy New Year!

2011-01-11T08:47:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

This year Mason went to a New Years party at his friend Lukes house. We took him around six and let Chase think he was staying for the party also. Then we left around seven and came home to put Chase to bed. Mason ended up coming home around eleven. While we were at the party Mason kept asking us,"When will you leave?" He was so glad for us to go so that he didn't have to have parents there. I can't believe he would be embarrassed of us at 5 yrs old.

Update from the Past Year "2010"

2010-12-31T21:28:00.000-08:00

Darren: He is still working at HomeFurnishingDirect as the Manager. He has been kept busy with work and also with Church Callings. In 2010 he went from being put in the Stake Youngmens as the First Counsler to being the President of the Stake Youngmens, also meaning he got made A High Priest, which also means he gets put on the high Counsel in our Stake. Then about in June he got put in the Bishopric for our ward. These different callings he has been given has help him to grow and be a better person.

Ashley: I still am staying home trying to raise our boys to be good boys. Which gets pretty hard some days. I had just served in primary this past year as the first counsler and just got released. I am hoping that now I can get Chase to attend Nursery since I don't have a calling yet. This past year has also been a good learning experience for me as well. Being that Darren has had to be gone alot more for his church meetings, I have been able to get the hang of being a single mother at church and at home. I have seen the blessing that have come to our family from Darren being willing to serve.

Mason: He has started Kindergarten and he loves it. He is learning to read, do math, spell, and count in all different ways. He says his favorite part of school is PE. He goes to school a full day 8:10am - 2:20pm. He also rides the bus which has been nice to not have to fight the school traffic. He has had to go to the Dentist alot; by getting a tooth pulled and then getting several teeth filled. He had to be put to sleep because he was so scared of going to the dentist and having to get the shot that he would freak out. So in order to get all the work done that needed to be done we put him under. But I think that we have finally got his bad teeth under control because it has been about 5 months and we are not seeing holes in his teeth like we used to. He also finally learned to swim by himself and not be scared. He has also been a big help to his mom with his brother. He played tball and soccer this year and did really good. He really loves sports. He also like to ride his bike up and down the street in the neighborhood with my friends that live down the street.

Chase: He had to get tubes put in his ears on April 9, 2010 right before his birthday. But that has been our life saver for him. He was not able to really talk the first of the year and now he can say sentences. He also is better behaved since getting the tubes in. Dr. Downs told us when he first saw Chase that by getting the tubes done Chase would be a different boy. We didn't believe him until we saw him change little by little which is a good change. Chase still doesn't go to nursery but hopefully that will change soon. He started a twice a month preschool that he likes to attend with his mom of course. He has also had different people come to work on his different issues he has like sensory. I think is getting alot better with that as well. He loves his brother Mason and wants to do everything that he does. He has started to ride a scooter to be like Mason.

This is most of the high lights I can remember from 2010 and we look forward to seeing what the New Year brings to us and our family.

SNOW DAY!

2010-12-31T21:19:00.000-08:00

We woke up on Wednesday to find snow covering our grass and trampolin and so since it doesn't snow much you play with what you get.........

Then today Darren had his day off and we went up on Mingus Moutain to play in some deep snow!

We had alot of fun but did get really cold. We got on the mountain and played for about an hour and then were ready to go. It finally felt like Christmas with the snow every where.