Tam's Fam

MARILYN IS SO STINKIN NICE!

2009-12-24T08:25:00.003-07:00

My friend Mar crochetted these cute hats. She is amazing and these hats are adorable!!

SLEEP OVERS

2009-12-24T08:20:00.004-07:00

Haley and Loren had a sleepover. Not much sleepin was goin on but lots of giggling and fun!

It's nice that Jessi and McKenzie are sisters and are both best friends with Haley and Loren. It makes it easy and fun! We like easy and fun!

CHRISTMAS FUN!

2009-12-24T08:11:00.007-07:00

Loving the season! We've enjoyed parties, family, friends and lots of neighbor treats! I think this is just a good time! I love the lights and cheer and really just the feeling! Brennan and I have lots of girls to share this with. I love it!, Love Brennan, and Love my girls!

Happy HO-HO-HOlidays!

Swine Flu Shots

2009-12-03T06:15:00.005-07:00

Finally, I was able to get the swine flu shot for my girls! Ems got hers at the hospital at work but I was worried especially about Lyss because she has asthma so bad. They were all happy until we got right up to our turn!

That really hurt!

Loren was scared. It made me sad. but she was brave and let them do their thing!

Bad hair, honkin coldsores and a shot!

Ward Christmas Party

2009-12-03T06:12:00.002-07:00

Last night we had our ward party. So much fun! Santa and his Elf were there. The elf kinda freaked Loren out. At least Santa didn't smell like smoke and beer like he did last year : )

THANKSGIVING

2009-11-27T07:43:00.006-07:00

Playing Wii and with them all playing, it got tense and really loud!

Plum tuckered out

I love Thanksgiving! I love being all together and I love the food. (especially moms-and gramma's fruit salad)

Brannon came down from BYU and spent the wknd with us. We had a good time!

EMS IS HOME

2009-11-17T07:41:00.007-07:00

Ems is home. Her roommate decided that she didn't like living in Salt Lake anymore and wanted to move home. The contract was in her name so that meant that Ems wouldn't have a place to live after the contract sold. She was sad and a little mad, but I think it will be good in the long run. It will give Ems the opportunity to pay off her car sooner. She will try to get a job a little closer to home. She wants to get on at McKaydee hospital and then go to Weber. I think she learned a lot in the short time she was away. I love my Ems!

SAIDIE HAWKINS DANCE

2009-11-15T20:10:00.004-07:00

Lyssi went to the Saidie's Dance for Syracuse High. They had a lot of fun! Her and her friends had a progressive dinner. They ate salad at Sara's, pizza at our house and dessert at Taylors. They all looked so cute. They went to a motuary after the dance. Sara's brother lives at the mortuary in Ogden. He took them into the embalming room and they saw a few dead people. She said it was cool and a little creepy. She had a good time with her friends!

Getting Creative W/Halloween Candy

2009-11-09T07:37:00.002-07:00

This weekend Loren was bored and spent about an hour sculpting her Halloween candy. It was fun for her and it kept her busy.

2009-11-05T16:04:00.002-07:00

Party at the Soifua's! It was so much fun! We had lots of yummy soups and treat and fun people!

Isn't Halloween fun?!! cooky kids!

We played marshmellow shooting! it sure made a mess but lots and lots of fun!

Brennan has such poise and balance!

Up close and personal!

This is right before we all toppled over!

Ems Apartment

2009-08-27T06:49:00.005-06:00

This is Ems apartment. She shares it with her friend Staci and another girl. It is so cute! I love it! It was so hard for me to let her go. She is only about 40 minutes away but she's not home. I hate locking the door at night w/her not here. But, she needs to spread her wings...so they say. She is working and loving it and going to school. I am so proud of her and how responsible she is. She is an angel and will always be my baby!

4TH OF JULY!

2009-07-05T14:35:00.006-06:00

We went to the fireworks in Layton. It was fun! I love watching all of the people. It was packed, just like it always is. But, that makes it fun! It was nice to have all four girls with us. It's so hard with all of their work schedules. It was fun. Lyssi brought Justin and Ems brought Staci. My mom, dad, Shelly & Kasey came. Clint and Mindy came later just in time for the fireworks to start. Justin went and got a football and we played. I didn't realize how good of a tackler I am. I had Lyssi scared! It was fun just hanging out with all of us!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

2009-07-05T12:46:00.004-06:00

West Point days is always the 3rd of July. It is so much fun. I love it! I grew up in a small town and this has that small town feel. Just homey! All our friends and neighbors are there. There is lots of facepainting, rockwall climbing, live bands, dinner, fireworks and then a movie. All in the park and all free. It so nice to live in such a wonderful community! I love it! This is the one day of the year that Brennan will wear matching shirts. He thinks he's too cool but really~us girls are the cool ones!

HALEY'S EYEBROWS!

2009-07-05T12:34:00.002-06:00

Haley has the most amazing eyebrows. In the winter, they are dark, just like her eye lashes. But around track season they begin to change. By summer, they are a firey red! It has so many colors in them. I love it. I tease her and tell her that her kids will all be redheads and when they ask where they get their red hair, Haley will tell them they get it from her eyebrows! I love em!

LOREN LOVES SOFTBALL

2009-07-04T23:52:00.005-06:00

Loren had a fun softball season! She is a lefty just like Ems. She batted so good and hard. Lyssi took her to the batting cages and taught her. It was fun watching her play!

Haley and I are under the umbrella because it is blowing dirt everywhere and starting to rain. The wind ended up braking our umbrella!

The happy team. They won! If they win the championship game they will take 1st, if they lose they will take 2nd. Not too bad!

Gramma came to watch her baby play!

So proud of Loren! She played hard! We love SOFTBALL!

Miss West Point Scholarship Pageant

2009-07-04T11:08:00.011-06:00

Lyssi and Haley were in the Miss West Point Scholarship Pageant. They had so much fun. They learned a dance, performed a talent, had to answer a question. They were nervous but looked so beautiful. It was fun. It was funny that even though they were in front of a lot of people and judges, they still acted like themselves.

After, we went to celebrate with ice cream.

Here we are, the end of a lovely evening!

23 year together

2009-06-14T14:58:00.007-06:00

Brennan and I had our 23rd anniversary! Hard to believe! We have a good thing going on!
Brennan had to go to Florida for work. He was done on Friday w/meetings so I flew out on Friday. We stayed until Tuesday. It was such a fun getaway! The girls took care of each other and Loren spent some time with Gramma.

Universal Studios was so cool! It was fun!

It would be so cool if we were as cool as we feel like we are!

I am so glad that I have Brennan! What a good man he is. He loves us, takes care of us and he has us to drive him nuts!

LOREN'S DANCE RECITAL

2009-05-31T20:38:00.008-06:00

The song they danced to was Mulan. It was so cute and of course, Loren was adorable!

Kasey and Loren were happy that they both were in the recital.

So dang cute!

2009-05-31T20:26:00.009-06:00

We all came to watch Loren's recital! It was fun! The costumes were amazing! This is Loren's last recital. She decided that she doesn't want to do it anymore. She has taken it for 4 years and had lots of fun!

Ems and her friend came.

Gramma and Grampa Bateman

Sis and Gramma Maxine

Gramma and Grampa

Mindy and Taysen

OH WE LOVE SPRING!

2009-05-20T20:01:00.005-06:00

We love Spring. There is lots of playing outside!
Lots of fun in the sun with friends

Cute clothes! cute girls!

Wonders of spring!

And of course, the weeds! Those dang weeds but sweet girls to pull them!

We have a lot to be thankful for!

2009-05-13T20:23:00.003-06:00

This was so funny! We tried and tried to get the perfect HSM jump picture. It was way harder than we thought! So funny! We were laughing our guts out!

Oh my heck! They couldn't get their feet off the ground at the same time. Look at the air Loren got!

MOTHERS DAY

2009-05-13T20:09:00.008-06:00

I love Mother's Day. My greatest joy is being a mom and my girls make up my world! Along with their dad. We have a good thing going on! we sure have a lot of fun! I got breakfast in bed. Waffles with strawberries and whip cream~the best! I had to get up and start getting ready, then I slipped back in bed. I couldn't stay in bed that long! But, they brought in breakfast and presents! I am the luckiest mom ever! I love my girls and they love me and make me ONE HAPPY MAMA!

HALEY'S 2ND TRACK MEET

2009-05-01T06:59:00.004-06:00

Haley had a great track meet yesterday! She took 3rd overall in the girls 400. She did it in the same time she did last week-a minute 7 seconds. She thought she was a lot slower because the girl who took 1st did it in 59 seconds. She was a hurricane! Haley wanted to beat her own time, ...next week!

She gave it all she had!

I have always been able to comfort Haley but at the track meets, she just needs her dad. I love this picture! We are proud of you Haley!

Haley's Track Meet!

2009-04-23T21:55:00.004-06:00

Haley had her track meet today. She ran the 400, the 200 and the 4X1. She won the 400 (1st place) , got 2nd (in her heat) on the 200 and ran into a girl on the 4X1. It was a good meet! I was so proud of her! She runs like her mom! (in my dreams)

Haley was excited for the race to get started!

On your marks, get set...

She won! look at this picture, there isn't even a close 2nd. She blew them right away!

Oh yeah! Something to cheer about!

(this is Haley's friend Jonathan)

GOOD DAY!

THE PROM

2009-04-21T14:35:00.004-06:00

Lyssi had prom Saturday night. She looked like a princess! I loved her dress! She went with Justin. He is a cute kid and is really good to Lyssi. He seems like a really good boy. How do you keep your daughters from liking boys! at least till they are ...um...25! They had a lot of fun. They went on a picture scavenger hunt during the day. The had a nice dinner and had fun at the dance! Lyssi loves to dance and really has some good moves! (I passed them down to her) They played games after the dance and usually Lyssi walks in the door at the last second, she was home 10 min early. I'm glad she had a good time.

EASTER

2009-04-14T13:49:00.009-06:00

Easter was so much fun. We love fun around here. Even when our girls say the blessing on dinner or family prayer they always pray for fun-ness in all we do. Anyway, it was especially nice because Gramma Sink is here!

We love cousins. Baby Taysen is the funnest for Loren and Kasey. They want to just eat her up!

Coloring eggs. need I say more?! (I don't know why Lyssi always feels the need to cross her eyes! Dang!)

I love this picture! My girls can have a kicking, screaming, hand swinging fest and then a minute later be laying on the bed laughing and talking till way into the night. I love my girls and I love teenagers!

We started all this chaos 23 years ago!

My girls and their cousin Lindsey!

No matter how our day is, we always have our family and that is what makes me happy. I love my family!

I wish Ems was here this morning! She was at work! She would have looked so cute in her Easter dress standing right by my side!

RED CLIFF'S

2009-04-14T13:30:00.004-06:00

Haley, Lyssi & Lyssi's friend Taylor jumped off the rock into the water. I was nervous but it didn't occur to me until my cousin pointed out that the rock could have gone out under the water. I'm so glad that it didn't . I felt like a bad mom for a minute. But, they were so brave. Lyssi made Haley go first. She said that she was so scared that she still can't even believe that she did it! Everyone stood around and watched.

My soaking brave girls!

With out Brennan there, I was a little nervous. I was fine when I wasn't by the edge. Haley was afraid too. We scooted on our bums part of the time because it was too scary to stand.

Loren loved it all. the whole experience! She only had flip flops and that about freaked me and Haley out, but she was careful.

My little chicks in my nest! (Ems, where are you?!)

Fun day! We had a picnic, peed on a rock (in private~but there really was no choice!) and had lots of fun together! Love my girls!

PARADISE @ THE RIDDLE'S

2009-04-11T21:41:00.008-06:00

It was so fun at Ryan & Jen's, their kids are so cute and my girls had a blast! It was perfect swimming too.

Loren had fun with cousins. Jen's little sister was there so she made a new friend with Trisha.

I don't know why I didn't make it big with all this talent!

PARADISE!

2009-04-11T20:45:00.003-06:00

Yes, we are loving it! Ryan (my cousin) has the nicest pool! It is an exotic resort! We had fun all day long!

I even got my hair wet! wow! that means that I couldn't resist!

Taking the plunge!

Hello Sun!

2009-04-11T20:39:00.003-06:00

We met Harley, my sweet cousin. He is adorable! He is so kissy! He was born in June and this is the 1st time I saw him!

Hangin by the pool! Nice~Nice!

We love Gramma Sink!

Spring Break in St. George!

2009-04-11T20:27:00.002-06:00

Driving down is always fun! Loren made us jewelry with the pull n peel licorise. It is absolutely beautiful. I had to eat mine after a while! We sang, potty stop, ate, potty stop, sang some more. I kept having to pee! I hate that! We finally got there. Sis made fried chicken and lots of good stuff!

Mom and dad were coming home from St. George so we met them in American Fork to say hi.

Aren't my earings gorgeous?!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

2009-03-31T07:05:00.003-06:00

Surprise! surprise! We woke up to this on Sunday! It wasn't just a flurry, it was a winter storm. I really think it's pretty. We will have hot weather soon enough!

DAVID ARCHULETA!

2009-03-30T13:20:00.003-06:00

Haley and her friends (8 of them) all went to the David Archuleta concert Sat. night. She has never been as excited (except when she found out her friend Anna was coming) about anything like she was about going to this! They had a ton of fun! She called me during the concert and was screaming and said "David Osmond put his arm around me and I got a picture with him." What I heard is "David Archuleta put his arm around me and I got a piture with him." So, I stopped and told everyone at Clints that she must be on stage with him and she got a picture! I guess I just heard what I wanted to hear. She was thrilled about David Osmond too. He is the one who was on American Idol for a titch. Him and his wife were sitting by them. She came home so happy. I'm glad she got to go. We love his cd and listen to it blaring most mornings. Her and her friends all made t-shirts with his picture on it and wore them to school the day of the concert. Fun to be 15!

ROMEO & JULIET

2009-03-21T07:34:00.004-06:00

Haley had to recite the Prologue of Romeo & Juliet in front of her class. It was really hard for her to memorize it because it was Shakespear. So, she put it to music and did just fine! She couldn't remember the words w/out singing it so she sang it. Her teacher was cool about it and even gave her extra credit. I would rather be shot in the foot than sing in front of people by myself w/out music. (except at girls camp) She is a brave heart!

TOP O THE MORNIN TO YA

2009-03-17T07:37:00.003-06:00

HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY! It was a no pinch day around here! Loren, Haley and Lyssi (& her friends) ate Lucky Charms and were top to bottom GREEN!

Baby It's Cold Outside

2009-03-10T06:08:00.002-06:00

This has been a good winter. Brennan has been able to spend a lot of time outside pretending he's 4-wheeling. When it snows, I know that I wont see him for a couple of hours because he is outside taking care of all the neighborhood! Loren likes the rides!

JUST HANGING OUT!

2009-03-09T13:39:00.003-06:00

Long hard day! Ems just got home from work and Lyssi was at the DATC (taking Dental Assisting classes). They look so cute in their scrubs!

I love my family. There really isn't a dull moment around this place!

Loren's Last Game of the Season!

2009-03-07T08:21:00.005-07:00

Loren had her last game of the season. She had a lot of fun. This is the 1st year she played Jr. Jazz. She was very happy that Brennan was her coach! All those giggly, rowdy girls drove Brennan nuts at times. That picure is 2 pts. by Loren! (I still need work on my photography) Brennan missed the last game because he was in California.

What better way to celebrate than with HERSHEY'S!?!

Strike the pose!

After the game, we had to go get ice cream! I don't know why people stare at us.

GO JAZZ GO!

2009-03-07T08:07:00.006-07:00

Last night was Jr. Jazz night at the Jazz game. Brennan was Loren's coach and we got to sit with 5 rowdy 3rd graders, but they could sure cheer! As you see by the pictures, we couldn't get much further up in the stands! It started out a little slow and we were getting worried, but our home boys pulled it off! We had fun and now Loren's basketball season is over! The Jazz won the Denver Nuggets 97-91. GOOD GAME!

Bed Partners

2009-03-06T15:26:00.004-07:00

Brennan has been in California this week. Haley slept with me one night and the next night was Loren's turn. Loren was so nice and said that Haley could sleep with us on her turn. (sweet!) So, I went in to go to bed and this is how much room they saved for me. I had to turn my pillow long ways and scooch right in. By morning we were all tight little puzzle pieces. Life is swell!

NAUGHTY LITTLE ANGELS!

2009-03-06T14:00:00.003-07:00

Everyone who know's Ems & Lyssi think they are sweet little angels. I'm here to set the record straight. they had Haley pinned to the floor and were tickling her guts out. They say that Haley started it and finally they had to "take her down". They looked very attractive in the process, they had lovely zit cream on. Nights at the Bateman's is crazy and sometimes torturous! Guests always welcome!

ROOM MAKEOVERS

2009-03-01T08:29:00.007-07:00

Haley was ready for a change. She had had a Raggedy Ann room since she was 8. Loren wanted to have a different room too. She was getting too old for a Princess room (I didn't think so). So, they switched rooms. We didn't change much for Loren's new room. She kept it just the way Haley had it. Loren's old room had to be painted and bead board put up to be Haley's new room. We painted the walls pink and orange(yikes). I was a titch nervous when we started. It turned out so cute! It sure was a mess getting it to that point. Everyone helped and now it is cute as can be!

HOME SWEET HOME!
Loren's favorite color is RED so she was so happy!

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

2009-03-01T07:55:00.006-07:00

Last night Haley and I went to see Shopaholic(so funny) and then to Cafe Rio! It was a lot of fun. We went with my friend Nicole from New Mexico (from a trillion years ago) and some of her friends. It was fun being with Haley. I wish Lyssi and Ems could have come. Loren was having fun with her friend and Brennan. They went out to dinner too. I feel very blessed to have teenage girls who still like to go out with just mom!I asked Haley if I should bring my camera in or if that will be embarrassing, she said "bring it in. That's what we do!"

SWEETHEART'S DANCE

2009-02-25T07:37:00.005-07:00

On Valentine's Day, Lyssi went to the Sweetheart's dance with Ron. She had a lot of fun! She said he is really funny and danced really cool. Gramma Bateman altered her dress to make it modest. Thank heavens for Gramma's. Her dress was so pretty! Lyssi looked like a princess!

Lyssi, Taylor and Steph got ready. When they left, Kelly (he was here with Chel) said that it looked like a truck carrying hair supplies exploded in the bathroom. Hair dryers, curling irons, straighteners, makup, brushes, mirrors and perfume was everywhere. Brennan said that it is normal and happens on a daily basis. He's right. (he's always right, just ask Ems)

LUELLA'S VISIT

2009-02-25T06:01:00.002-07:00

Luella came to see her dad for a couple of days. We were so excited to see her. She is a sweetheart! We loved seeing her! She is funny. When she was getting ready to leave, she made 4 piles on the table. She took out all of her change and seperated it all out for our girls. She said her purse was too heavy. She looks all cute, and I'm in jammies and so not cute but you know me, had to get a picture!

A NEW COUSIN

2009-02-23T17:02:00.008-07:00

Loren met her new cousin Jaden. My cousin Kim married her dad Jason. I knew he had a daughter but I didn't know she was the same age as Loren. They came down while we were in St. George and instantly, Loren and Jaden were best friends! It was fun! Jaden came to Lyssi's games on Saturday.

Having fun with friends at the games. They didn't watch much of the game but had lots of fun and all day to do it!

PLAY TIME!

2009-02-22T20:02:00.006-07:00

Lyssi had such good games. I was loving what every one had to say about her. She even hit a triple! She caught everything in center field! She dove for a couple and it didn't look like she had one of them but came up with her mit full of ball! She has a skinned bum, knees and hands but she loved it and loved how she played! She is not trying out for the school team this year. I'm sad. This will probably be her last summer playing softball. Brennan is heartbroken, but he'll survive.

It was so dang cold. Friday night Brenda had her portable heater. We huddled so close to it that a couple of times, we thought we were on fire! The next day, the sun came out. We layed in the sun and for about 5 min, it felt good. As soon as we got back in the bleachers, it was cold again.

Lyssi and Taylor always have time for picture!

Kasen came to all of the games. What a good cousin.

Brennan has loved being one of Lyssi's coaches. They all have a lot of fun. They play good too!

HEADING DOWN SOUTH

2009-02-22T13:24:00.008-07:00

We got to go to St. George! Lyssi had a softball tournament. I not only love to watch Lyss play ball but I also got to see my Gramma! I was sad that we had to leave Haley and Ems. They both had to work one of the days. Our plan was to leave as soon as Loren got home from school. (3:30) Lyssi HAD to go buy High School Musical 3 so her and Loren could watch it on the way there. We remembered that our dvd player plug-inner thing was broke so we had to swing by Walmart on our way out of town. so, that is just what we did. We bought the connection thing and took it out to the van. After fiddling w/it for 15 min, Brennan said that it still didn't work. We debated what to do and finally went back in and bought a new dvd player. By now it is almost 6 by the time we pulled out of the stinkin parking lot! We were on our way. We get to the south end of Salt Lake and I already have to "go". When I got out into the freezing, I thought it was a good time to tell Brennan that I forgot my coat. It was a crazy trip but fun. I drive Brennan completely NUTS!

Brennan said that I'm turning into a Smith, taking 2 hours to get out of town! Lyssi and Loren were all comfy with a movie, blankies, and treats! Lyssi LOVES High School Musical 3. She was so excited to see it(for the 4th time.) She said she loves it so much she got the shivers. What a goofball!

We spent the day with Grams. We took and her and Sis out to lunch. And, then just hung out with them. I love being with them!

Lyssi's games didn't start till 7pm.

FAMILY PARTY!

2009-02-16T21:36:00.012-07:00

Chel and I were getting ready for the rest of the family to come. She taught me how to make "lumpia". It is Phillipino spring rolls. They are so dang good! Everyone loved them. They were the first to go. It's so fun getting to know Chel more and more. She is so sweet. Loren just loves being around her. She is a nice addition to our family!

We love having everyone over. I think that it's neat that my girls can see their cousins. Family is so important! Thanks to everyone who came!

Kelly & Chel (Brennan's brother) came to town from Las Vegas. He wanted to have all his family over so he could see them. We had so much fun. FAMILY IS WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT!

With me, it all centers around good food!

I w i l l a l w a y s

l o v e y o u

Brennan has always been really close to his brothers. They have a good time together. It's too bad they can't spend more time.

Lots of cousins!

LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

We played FARKLE. It was fun. We need to do this more often! Yes, I won!

CREME BRULEE!

2009-02-14T07:33:00.006-07:00

Oh man! It was worth the 10 lbs I gained eating it! It is the best!

Last night the VanKomen's came over and taught us how to make creme brulee. It is my very favorite. Bob has brought us some over several times and then at Christmas he bought us the ramekins for a present. We loved it too much that he just couldn't keep up. So he came to teach us to make our own!

STILL WINTER!

2009-02-11T16:15:00.007-07:00

It has been snowing for the past 2 days. It is beautiful! I love it when I'm inside with the fireplace going, cookies in the oven (I'm a dreamer) and looking out the window with the snow coming down. I love it!

This snow is perfect! Fluffy and WET! Lyssi said it is the best snow she ever tasted!

BRENNAN & LYSSI

2009-02-09T17:11:00.005-07:00

Brennan and Lyssi played in church a few weeks ago. It was so beautiful. They are going to play in my moms ward and also in another one. I love hearing them play. I am so proud of both of them. I'm glad they are mine!

2009-02-06T16:47:00.003-07:00

Having four girls and 3 of them teenagers, I don't know if Brennan is going to make it. He worries so much about them. Haley has 7 other girls and 4 boys that are all best friends. They hang out almost every weekend. Brennan is tense about it but it's happening. Brennan said it is different when they are at our house with us there, it's fine. But, if they go somewhere where there isn't supervision~he doesn't think that is right. Well, tonight Haley's friends all wanted to go to the movie and Brennan heard what was going on and told them absolutely not. He said it was too much like a date. Lyssi tried to tell him and the whole thing just embarrassed Haley. They boys left shortly after that. Okay, so I feel like they are a big bunch of friends and they like to do stuff. Brennan said it would be too easy for them to go to the show and one of the boys sit by Haley and try to hold her hand or something. I agree that I don't think our girls should date until 16 also. I hung out with a big group of friends when I was in high school (about a trillion years ago) and we all just had fun. Brennan is just freaking out that Haley will be 16 in October. And, Lyssi is so boy crazy~ aaaaaugh! I want to know what you all think.

LOREN'S 9!

2009-01-29T08:17:00.023-07:00

We have loved Loren for 9 years. Hard to believe that it was that long ago. She has been so much fun. We are so blessed to have her in our family. I remember when we went to find out if she were a boy or a girl. We got the girls out of school to come with us. We all thought she was a boy except Ems. She absolutely knew! The lady told Brennan, I hope you have a boy dog. Brennan said ~no, her name is Lady. Loren was a perfect baby girl. She was weighed 6 lbs 6 oz and 19 1/2 " long. Loren is such a sweet heart. She loves painting her fingernails, reading, playing with friends, playing all sports and hanging out with her sisters. Lorens "birthday week" is finally over. She did a lot of fun things and got lots of presents.

Good morning birthday girl! Lornie's not a morning person, but when it's a school day, it breakfast starts early! She wanted danish pancakes with a pink "9" on it with strawberries and whip cream. That is what she got! Yum!

I'm so glad that she's my girl! She is such a joy! Today she got an added bonus, she got to change her earrings for the first time. Yay! We just love our Lorabelle!

Loren loves having a birthday because that means Gramma checks her out of school and takes her to lunch and shopping. Gramma asked her where she wants to go and Loren says Wendy's. Gramma said, Don't you want to go somewhere and sit down? She thought for a minute and then said~Oh, I know, Paces! So Pace's it was! Grampa met them there. They went to the mall and she got a cute outfit and a Webkins. She had a fun time and so did Gramma!

No birthday cake for Taysen, she just gets celery! (notice her headband, Loren made it and is very proud)

Loren loves Todd. She is always on his shoulders or pulling on him.

Gramma & Grampa

Bateman

It's time for cake. Mindy always makes the cutest cakes!

Lots of family to love! It's fun having birthdays!

Loren had a spa birthday party. Lyssi and her friend Sara did the girls hair. Ems and some of my young women did nails (press on), make up, and toe nails. They had a lot of fun and looked so cute! Girls! Girls! Girls!

SHE PASSED!

2009-01-27T19:10:00.004-07:00

It was a big day! Haley got her Learners permit. She was so scared to take the test. On the way to pick up her friend Jessi, I asked her a few questions. I asked her which way to turn your wheel when parking up hill. She had no idea. I asked her the speed limit in a residential area. She thought for a minute and then said~What is residential? I knew she was in trouble! As soon as Jessi got in the car, I said~please help her study! They studied like crazy. She asked the lady how many times she could take the test. She said twice and then you can come back and take it one more time w/out paying again. Haley said~mom, I will pay next time if we have to. She said can we go get ice cream if I pass? Then she said~can we go get ice cream if we don't pass because I will be so sad? She took the test 1st time and passed! Happy Day! She is still afraid to drive! This will pass I'm sure!

LOREN LOVES GRAMMA "SINK"

2009-01-19T17:04:00.016-07:00

Loren was so excited to go to St. George with Gramma and Grampa. My mom said to have Loren over there at 10:30 and at 8:30 she was ready to go. We waited until she couldn't wait anymore. When we got there Gramma was still getting ready. I'm going to miss my baby girl!

Sis took Loren and Kasey to feed the ducks. We love Sis. She always does fun things. Sis has always been one more Gramma for Loren!

Ever since Loren was tiny, Gramma Sink has been her favorite! She said that when Lyssi gets old, she will looks like Gramma Jo but "when I get old, I will look like Gramma Sink!" She has always been really close with Gramma. Grams always has a way of making you feel loved completely. (just like my mom does) It's a good feeling! Gramma Sink taught Loren how to play war (cards), jacks, even how to climb a tree! About 4 years ago Loren comes in the house and says "Mom, Gramma needs help getting out of the tree." I go out and sure enough, Gramma is up in the tree. I said ~what are you doing? She said that she was just showing Loren how to get up in. Man oh Man!, She is an 18 year old in an 88 year olds body! She has always been my favorite too! We love her so much! Loren was very excited to go see Gramma Sink and Sis!

A DAY OFF AND HAVING FUN!

2009-01-19T15:37:00.027-07:00

We had a blast today. (one of the words that shows my age) We woke up and the fun began. Lyssi needed to go dress shopping for the Valentine's Dance. We went to the mall and a small miracle happened. We walked into the mall, 1st store, 1st dress she tried on~she loved. It happened to also be on sale. Haley paid 1/2 (because she loved it too and is thinking ahead and said that she would wear it if she got asked to a dance one day.) They bought a 2nd dress also. (to use in the future~they are both beautiful.)

Found shoes the same day! Haley asked her if she could buy them a little big so she could wear them too. Haley is on her own on the shoes!

Okay, next...CAFE RIO~the best place to eat on earth! OOOH, so good! We crave it, it's that good!

Oops! Forgot to remind them to act like ladies!

Brennan met us for lunch. We couldn't talk him into going to the movie with us.

FULL PLATES...

Completely EMPTY plates!

We went to see Bride Wars. It was so funny! (I did have to have them close their eyes for a few seconds) Brennan wouldn't have liked it much. The theater just had girls in there. I was a girl movie.

At the end of the movie, it said there is always someone you go through good and bad times with whether it is your husband, or a friend...and I look over and my 3 girls are hugging each other. It made me get all teary. I love that my girls love each other and they will always have each other.

G O O D T I M E S ! ! !

SLEDDING

2009-01-07T18:13:00.008-07:00

Yesterday when Loren got home from school, we jumped in the van and went sledding!

Haley thought that it would be cool if Loren could pull her up the hill...didn't work out so well!

WHEEEEE!
We had so much fun! We finally had to leave when my fingers were so cold, they were about to fall off!

BABY IT'S COLD OUTSIDE

HALEY'S 10 HOUR PROJECT

2009-01-05T21:39:00.004-07:00

Haley had to do another 10 hour project for Geography. They could choose anything as their project as long as it was something from Central America. It took her 16 hours and a few tears to make it. She made a Mexican Wrestling Mask. It was a long process since Haley nor I sew. She did it all herself and got a really good grade on it. Her teacher said that no one has ever made one of these for his class before. He was impressed, I was impressed and Haley was so proud. HOOAH!

A REAL LIVE SNOW GLOBE!

2009-01-05T21:20:00.006-07:00

Brennan loves snow storms because it gives him an excuse to go play on his machine. I know that when he goes out, he wont come home for a long time. He doesn't just do ours, but he does all of the the neighbors.

This was a beautiful snow storm. It snowed and snowed and snowed. I love it. I love it until my girls have to drive in it.

Ems got off work at 3:20 and didn't get home until 6:15! It usually takes her 1/2 an hour, so as you can imagine, we were worried sick! I was so happy when she came home. She was pretty stressed.

It looks like we live in a real live snow globe! It's a winter wonderland!

This is Haley at work. Either Brennan or I go with her to do her rounds when she works at night. (one day a week) She has to deliver a few residents their medicine and she doesn't like to be outside alone . I like going and spending time with her so I don't mind.

Haley loves her job!

NEW YEARS EVE 2008

2009-01-01T11:02:00.007-07:00

New Years Eve was fun this year. The girls all invited friends and we invited the Bergers and Jeff & Shelly. (they missed out on the picture moment because at 11:30 Kasey really needed her bed).We played "what if", Bunko, and Farkle. We had a lot of fun! Our bed sure felt good when we fell into it! At midnight, everyone went out and banged pans (we really know how to party at the Bateman's) and ran around the neighborhood making sure the neighbors knew it was 2009! We made breakfast. Everything was still fine and dandy. Then Brennan cut his finger really bad on a can lid. Lyssi broke Brennan's new recliner, (Ems fixed it this morning) Next, I don't really know how this happened but I knocked over the griddle that we had cooked the bacon on and grease went everywhere! It was horrible. All over the counter, all in the drawers under the counter, all over the floor, and down both of my legs and into my shoes. It was the messiest, greasiest mess! Bad things happen in 3's right?, so I think we are good. But it really was a good night and I know that 2009 will be a good year!

Loren doesn't get to have sleep overs but we made an exception tonight. She was thrilled. They went to sleep around 2 am. I'm nuts!

2009, HERE

WE COME!

CHRISTMAS DAY AT COUNTRY PINES

2009-01-01T10:50:00.003-07:00

I think we started a new tradition this Christmas. Our girls work at Country Pines. My sister Shelly also works there and had to serve them lunch on Christmas. She said that they would love it if Brennan would come play the violin sometime so he decided to go play Christmas songs while they ate lunch. The residents loved it and they loved seeing the girls. We all sang a few Christmas songs with them and Brennan played alot. They even talked him into playing Orange Blossom Special even though it wasn't a Christmas song. He played all the traditional ones and a few Elvis. He was hit! I think we will go do this every year.

They work with the sweetest people. My girls have really grown to love them.

CHRISTMAS

2008-12-31T10:32:00.015-07:00

Christmas at Gramma and Grampa's is always fun. We have lots of people and presents and tons of wrapping paper. It is total chaos but we love it!

Our girls got everything that they ever wanted. Right girls? Loren was really excited this year. Her and Kasey were anxious for everyone to go to sleep so Santa could come. They slept on Gramma & Papa's floor.

We got to sleep till 6:30. The kids had to stay in bed till we got back over there. Brennan and I went home to sleep in our quiet house.

We had a fun day! We only had to go thru the mountains of garbage once because I threw away $30. Found it.

Loren made Papa a car. She made it out of card stock and was so excited to give it to him. He loved it just as she knew he would.

Everyone was here. Clint, Mindy and Taysen, Susan and Lindsey, Shelly, Jeff and Kasey , Todd and Dianna, Brennan, myself and our girls, and mom and dad! What more could we want!

The end of a wonderful day and a wonderful Christmsas season! We had a blizzard tonight. We got about 7 or 8 inches of snow in an hour. Lyssi & Haley went in to work for a couple of hours and had to dig their car out. We definately had a white Christmas!

CHRISTMAS EVE

2008-12-27T20:12:00.013-07:00

********* LOTS OF GRANDDAUGHTERS! ********

I think that we are so blessed to have 4 girls who all still love their mom and dad. They are fun and funny and so dang cute. Gramma bought cute jammies. She always gives them a book and jammies. They act like they don't know what is in the present.

Christmas Eve is always so much fun. We go to Gramma & Grampa's and hang out. We eat, sing Christmas carols and of course, the girls all get to open one present from Gramma & Papa. Can you guess what that present might be?....Jammies!

Brennan breaks out the violin whether he wants to or not. I think he really does enjoys it.

We all love spending the evening with each other. In years past, we all slept over but Brennan has put his foot down and we go home and sleep. (Just Brennan and I) and have to be back before the kids can go in to see what Santa brought. This year, everyone slept till about 6:30.

Gramma's tree is so pretty. They can never not touch

Having fun together!

Cousins are fun. I'm so glad that my girls know cousins! Family is a good place to be!

Taysen is adorable. Completely an angel baby! It's fun having a baby around again.

EMILY'S WISDOM

2008-12-27T08:56:00.002-07:00

Emily had her wisdom teeth pulled the day after Christmas. She had her bottom ones pulled when she was 9 so she only had top ones. THREE top ones. Weird huh? She had more wisdom then most. She was sore all day but it all went well.

SNOW DAY

2008-12-23T21:29:00.009-07:00

Today was a perfect snow day! It was snowing when we woke up and all morning. Loren couldn't wait to get on the hill with her sled. Her and Kaitlyn had lots of fun! They were frozen baby girls when they came home.

I learnded how to make bread for the 1st time in my life! I've made banana bread and bread in my machine but never made it "for true" as Haley used to say. Emily and I have made 28 loaves and one more batch to go. I must say "they look beautiful!" When we made the 1st batch, Brennan came up from his office and looked at the bread and said "A Christmas Miracle!" We've been taking them around w/a little honey bear for our neighbor gifts. We are so dang proud! (thanks Mar)

Tonight Loren and Brennan had a fun time making a gingerbread house. Brennan said that he used yellow snow to make his snowman. They did a good job. Man! We've had a busy but fun day!

CHRISTMAS IN SALT LAKE CITY

2008-12-20T08:30:00.008-07:00

Ems and Lyssi were really bummed because they were suppose to be in Idaho Falls at our friends(Logan Belnap's) reception. They were so excited but the Thurs. morning (the day they were to leave) Brennan watched the weather and it was ugly so we couldn't let them go. We decided to do something fun together instead of letting them sulk.

We has so much fun tonight! We rode the Front Runner to Salt Lake. We went to Gateway to eat. We were going to go to the temple to see the lights but time ran away from us. We put our name on the list and then did a little window shopping. Brennan was being a softy and we went to Build A Bear and the girls all got an early Christmas present. We all had so much fun! We ran into Susan and Lindsey! They were down from Logan. (my cousins) So we had to find a nice man to take our picture. We had a perfect night. The snow was beautiful! The train ride was fun and the girls LOVED it all! It's nice to have all 4 girls together at the same time. That doesn't happen very often!

Their new little Christmas friends.

Noggin's Gone

2008-12-15T14:31:00.007-07:00

Lyssi's turtle died today. It is really sad. I called and told her and she came home with her eyes all red. She said it was embarrassing because she started crying with everyone around her. She loved her Noggin. She wanted to burry him. Brennan told her that it would be too hard to dig a hole because the ground it frozen. Her friend Justin helped her find a field and they got it done. Her friend Lyndsey brought over a hairless rat in a cage with food and everything. She said that she felt so bad that Noggin died so she brought her another pet. I wouldn't let Lyndsey leave w/out it! Mean mom, Sad day.

SNOWBALL DANCE

2008-12-13T23:58:00.007-07:00

Today was the Snowball Dance. Lyssi went again with Justin. This dance is where the boy buys matching pajamma bottoms and it's a very casual dance. For their "day-date" they went ice skating. Then tonight, they went to Apple Bee's and to the dance. They are all watching a movie right now and she has a few more minutes before she has to be home. (the clock is ticking) I hate it when my little chicks aren't all tucked in and safe in bed. Anyway, they looked cute. I wasn't home when he came to get her so Brennan and I posed for Haley to make sure she would take cute pictures. I made her pinky swear that she would.Lyssi said they look like old married couples posed like that. Haley was just doing her job.

2008-12-13T07:42:00.004-07:00

Last night Lyssi and I went to the Nutcracker at the Egyptian Theater. We had a good time. I really think that the Nutcracker should have had pants on instead of tights. It was not a pretty sight. That just bugs me. BLAUGH! Anyway, I told Lyssi to just look at his feet. The girls all had such beautiful dresses. They made up for the tight thing. We had a fun night!

Lyssi and Lindsey should have been in the Nutcracker. Look at their style, their tecknique! So proud!

OH NO, A HAIR CUT!

2008-12-09T08:30:00.004-07:00

Haley and Loren cut off their beautiful long hair. It looks very cute. Haley was so nervous but it was way too long to do anything with. (those are her words, not mine) Loren could care less. "Just cut it Gramma!" Gramma had to make sure dad was on board. We are so thankful that we don't have to pay for haircuts! On Sunday nights is usually when Gramma gives us haircuts. We are there for dinner and then "oh, when can you cut my hair?" She is always so nice and will do it right then.

December 5th, DUTCH CHRISTMAS

2008-12-06T14:42:00.011-07:00

Last night we were invited to the "Sinterklaas" party at the Van Komen's. It is a big Dutch Christmas party that is celebrated every December 5th. St. Nicholas and "Black Pete" come and bring presents for everyone. Last time Haley was embarrassed because "Black Pete" was in one of her classes. She was relieved that it wasn't him this time.
Brennan went on his mission to Holland and Bob Van Komen is Dutch so Brennan had an "in" with him right from the start. It is a big family party with lots of Dutch food (Brennan LOVES it all!) It was fun and we feel very lucky that we keep getting invited each year. Lyssi was missing all the fun because she had a date.

I brought a stroop waffel home for Lyssi and Colton. It is a thin cookie with a carmel center. It is delicous and we all love them. Even Little Miss Picky Pants. (that could be any one of us!)

JUST ONE MORE GIRL IN THE HOUSE

2008-12-06T08:24:00.004-07:00

Kasey (my neice) is staying with us for a week. We've had fun with her! She has been so good. She loves us and we love her!

SANTA CLAUSE IS COMING TO TOWN

2008-12-06T07:49:00.007-07:00

Our neighborhood Christmas party at the church was this week. Santa came with his elf. The elf was a little freaky.

The primary kids all sang songs, we had lots of good things to eat and we had great company. Love this time of year!

Lyssi hanging with the boys, she's everyones friend.

Two Lonely Boys With No Where To Go

2008-11-27T10:44:00.006-07:00

Brannon and Seth (Brennan's nephews) came down from BYU to spend Thanksgiving with us! Ladawn and Wayne live in Texas so they were stuck with us! We had so much fun last night. We played games till after midnight and Loren found a friend for life. She stuck right by seth's side. He taught her a song on the piano, let her do his hair (they both did). She put a sleeping bag by his bed. They had a plan before they went to sleep. They got up and played basketball. Loren loves him! We havent seen them for a long time. I love my girls being able to know their cousins! We love having them here!

I AM THANKFUL

2008-11-26T18:21:00.008-07:00

Carolyn & Dave from New Mexico came. Wayne & Debbie from New York came. And all of us. We love family and we were a big bunch.

Brandon and Wes came just for dinner and had to leave for work right after.

Loren loved Debbie's shoes! She tried them on and they were just her size. She had to do a little fashion show. Loren loves Aunt Debbie!
Everyone loves Aunt Debbie!

LOTS OF

COUSINS!

Baby cousins!

Obnoxious Cousins!

Just hanging out having fun! Brannon taught Lyssi his famous hand shake!

Jeffro and Lyss

Lyssi, I think you need to wipe your nose!

All the wacky kids

Kasey loves her daddy.

We can't take Brennan anywhere!

Finally....DINNER!

The Teenager Table

The Princess Table

The Old Folks Table

The Out Of Towners Table

The Cool Table. Is

that me on that

table?...Why, yes it is!

Wayne, Carolyns and Dad.

Brennan loves the baby!

Serious talk about Aztec Ruins

The end of a long day.

Their tummies are full and

now it's time for a nap!

Ted and Harriet cant keep thier eyes open!

I am thankful for…
A bathtub full of hot water and bubbles
The sound of my girls talking and
Laughing with each other
Our girls caring about their grades
No dog poop in our yard
A clean house
Chocolate!
Hearing “I love you”
Our girls having good friends
Our girls bringing friends home
A good book or movie
Brennan opening the car door for me
Even when it’s cold and rainy outside
A girls night out
Pulling up my email and having one from a friend
Clean sheets and windows
Our girls making good choices
Our girls being responsible and having jobs
At the retirement home and really caring about the elderly
Family living close
Friday night dates
The piano, guitars and violin sounds
Good neighbors that watch out for each other
Brennan loving me and our girls
Our girls making good choices
A heavenly father who loves me
The sound of the vacuum or washer going
With out being the one to turn it on
Thunder and rain storms
Sunday dinner at mom and dad’s
Brennan putting Christmas lights in our yard
Family and friends to think about and love

TWILIGHT

2008-11-21T07:39:00.005-07:00

Emily and Lyssi were among those who went to the show at midnight to be the first to see Twilight. The show started at midnight and didn't get home till 3. I didn't sleep well as could be expected. Then after they got home, I was wide awake. I am going to be little miss cranky pants today, I'm sure.
Lyssi said it was the best movie. She is all excited to read the books now. Ems on the other hand, read the books and was a total fan before she saw the movie. If it get's Lyss excited to read~I'm all for it! I think its cool that the author is from Utah, BYU graduate!
Haley & I went to see this late Saturday night. I wasn't really wanting to go but she did and we had some girls going from our ward. It was fun. I knew when the scarey parts were coming, but I had no control. I had a few out-bursts and then realized that if I put my face in Haley's arm pit, I could control myself a little bit. We all liked the movie and it was just like the book. I didn't, however, like that Bella was so willing to do ANYTHING for this boy. I would have but I kept thinking of our girls and putting them in her shoes. I don't want them to have to change their life for anyone. I'm going to stop because I really could go on and on.

FUN WITH LYSSI AND LOREN

2008-11-21T05:52:00.005-07:00

Lyssi and Loren were having fun! They are so funny (to me anyway). Loren thinks she is one of the big girls. The video of Loren is her singing with her mouth shut. We think she is absolutely amazing!

EMS IS NOT AT WORK!

2008-11-15T19:33:00.005-07:00

Emily is either working or at school, I hardly ever see her. I am so proud of her. My long lost daughter was home for 2 minutes the other night so I had to take a cute picture of her and Jessica on there way out the door.

Tonight Ems was going on a double date, I don't know what is wrong with me but as they were leaving, I had to do it! Emily is going to hide my camera one of these days.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT

2008-11-14T18:19:00.009-07:00

Lyssi and her friends cheering Syracuse Titans on! They go to all the games. It's fun to have school spirit!

I was taking Loren to Salt Lake to meet Brennan at the airport as he flew back from Boise. Loren was going to St. George with him so I took her and her bags and then Brennan was going to pick Lyssi up from the U of U football field where Syracuse was playing in the semi finals. Crazy isn't it. Anyway, on our way there I pulled out the new David Archuleta cd. Loren was beyond thrilled! We were both singing away and she got quiet and I could tell that she was thinking. She said, "mom, does David Archuleta still go to church?" I said yes, I think so. She said,"do you think he will always be a good boy?" I said that I hoped so. She goes on to say that Venessa Hutchins (from High School Musical) is sorry that she did took bad pictures. She said, Do you think she goes to church? I said that I didn't know. I told her that it didn't matter if she went to church or not and that her choices are hers to make. I said that you can still like the movie as long as you are not watching bad stuff. The only person you need to worry about it who?...she said "me".

She just wants every one to choose the right and go to church and be good. She gets so worried about it. She wants to like them but she wants them to be good people. Loren is a sweetheart. I'm glad she is mine!

TOO MANY PLACES TO BE!

2008-11-13T21:02:00.007-07:00

Lyssi has a softball tournament this weekend. Loren went too so she could spend time with Gramma Sink. Emily couldn't go because of course she had to work. Haley has a guitar recital on Saturday so she and I had to stay also. I hate it when our family is all split up like this! I can't wait till they get back!

IT'S ALL ABOUT HALEY

2008-11-13T20:56:00.004-07:00

It's 9th grade week. She is always dressing up for school!When she has these days, at least she doesn't have to wander from room to room trying to figure out what to wear at night only to do it all over again in the morning. She had crazy hair day, jammie day and today was 80's day. I wish I looked like that in the 80's. I had the big hair and the leggings too. Loren wanted to know if I had big bangs. I could get mine big alright! I had to show her pictures. She laughed.

BRENNAN IS OLDER THAN ME!

2008-11-13T20:49:00.004-07:00

6 months out of every year, Brennan is older than me. His birthday was November 5th. The night before, his dad and Harriet came over for dinner. On his birthday, we made him breakfast in bed, gave him presents and kissed him goodbye. He had to fly out to Vegas for a district meeting. Kelly (his brother) lives there so he stayed an extra day and they went to dinner and hung out. Brennan loved that. On Sunday, my family came over for one last hurrah! Birthdays around here last for at least a week!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

2008-10-31T17:43:00.007-06:00

This halloween was a busy one! We had school parties, friend parties, church parties, and even a birthday party.

Yes, my girls somehow look familiar , don't they?

They were meant to be in movies!

That is as scarey as Ems gets!

Chili at Gramma and Grampa's is the best! It's a halloween tradition!

It's Halloween! We always have fun dressing up! Loren and Kasey trick or treated at Country Pines (the old folks home that our girls work at) and then trick or treated on our street.

I guess we can start thinking now what we want to be for next year! Haley has been waiting to wear her Nacho Libre mask since she bought it in Mexico last December. Can't wait till next year! (not really) Halloween is fun but it's oh so nice when it's over.

SHARING BIRTHDAYS!

2008-10-28T15:28:00.004-06:00

Haley's birthday seems to go on and on! My mom and Haley have had a combined birthday party for 15 years now. We went to Garcia's (both their favorite). We ate, sang and had cake.

Isn't Taysen adorable!?! We had to take pictures. She is so fun!

Taysen loves Papa talking to her. Her eyes get really big and always breaks out into a smile!

We had a good time. Ems was in SLC with her friend Stace so she isn't with us. (I hate them getting big and doing their own thing)

Here are the birthday girls! We love Haley and Gramma!

Mindy is such a good cake decorator! It makes birthday's fun to have a cute as heck cake.

HALEY'S 15!

2008-10-23T19:43:00.021-06:00

Haley turned 15 yesterday. I cannot believe that 15 years ago I was sitting in the hospital waiting to have a baby. My water started leaking 2 mo. before she was due and Dr. Pead was worried about infection and my labor starting so he admitted me into the hospital. I was fine for about a day but then I started going nuts. Brennan worked in SLC and he would come to Bountiful to see me on the way home from work and I would shoo him out so he could spend time with Ems and Lyssi. They were staying at my mom and dad's during the week so they could take care of them. Brennan would go over every night to see them. Anyway, he would leave me and I would cry. My mom, dad and Shelly took really good care of Emily and Lyssi. They brought them to see me a lot. They would leave and I would cry. I was a mess. I think I drove the dr crazy. They were testing my fluid every day to see if Haley's lungs were developed. I was told to only get up to go to the bathroom. I even had a chair in my shower. Well, I was a titch psycho and I would jump around trying to go into labor. I'm glad Haley was stubborn and didn't come till she was ready. On Oct 21, 1993, my dr came in around 4pm Wed. night and said "well, it looks like she's ready". Brennan hurried over (with a pizza) I was so happy! They wheeled me down to labor and delivery. I had a really easy labor. She was born @ 2:03 Thursday morning on the 22nd. She weighed 5 lbs 12 oz. 18" long. When I held her, I was ashamed at how I felt while I was in the hospital for a month waiting for her to come. She was definately worth the wait! My heart felt so full She was born 4 weeks early and completely perfect! She still is perfect. We love her so much. She is so fun and really funny. I'm so glad she is part of our family. We love you Haley!

2008-10-23T07:57:00.002-06:00

A small miracle happened on Monday. I pulled into Maverik to get gas and it was under $3.00 a gallon. I wanted to get out and do a cartwheel but instead filled my van. It was under $50! I was thrilled. Thank heavens for little miraculous events that make us thankful.

MEET NOGGIN

2008-10-17T08:35:00.002-06:00

Lyssi has a pet turtle. She loves him. His name is Noggin. She has only had him for a couple of weeks. Emily's friend gave him to her against my better judgement. I hope he works out. Pet's don't last long at the Bateman house. He hasn't peed on my floor, so that is a good sign. The second he starts eating my couch, he is gone!
Kasey loves Noggin... from a distance.

He runs really fast. It shocked us and kind of even scared us. Haley is petrified of him. It's funny. Lyssi took him in her room where Haley was doing homework and set him down by her. She completely freaked right out!

Lyssi and her turtle

SPIRIT WEEK

2008-10-12T21:44:00.010-06:00

This was say "no" to drugs week. They had "red day", "crazy sock day", "favorite team day" and "pajamma day". Loren loved all of this. She said she will always say NO! to drugs.

This was spirit week for Haley. She felt pretty cool being Batman on super-hero day. The day that she dressed up like an old lady was not so cool. She said that not very many people dressed up like a grandma or grandpa. About 12:00 she called me and asked me if I could come get her and bring her home to change. She said that she looked ridiculous. I thought she looked cute!

SNOWING IN OCTOBER!

2008-10-12T21:00:00.010-06:00

We woke up to a winter wonderland! We had about 6 inches and it continued lightly all day long. It is beautiful! I love the first snow. Everything looks so pretty all covered in white! When I woke up Loren for church, I told her to look out the window. Her face looked like pure delight! Snow was just a little blessing that we were blessed with today.

Loren and Kasey had so much fun playing in the snow. They were out there for over an hour building a snowman, when I went out to lift the body on, it broke so their snowman turned into a chair.

Snow is falling all around

On the housetops on the ground.

Snow is falling on my nose,

On my head and hands and toes.

GENERAL CONFERENCE

2008-10-09T14:53:00.010-06:00

I love President Thomas S. Monson! I really enjoyed all he had to say. "Despite the changes which come into our lives, and with gratitude in our hearts, may we fill our days...with those things which matter most." He said we need to find joy in the journey~now, share our joy with friends and family. One day we'll run out of tomorrows.
One of my favorite talks was from Elaine Dalton-General Young Women President. I have a special place in my heart for the young women program. I know it's because I have 4 daughters who I want to grow up to be happy and have integrity. She said that some think that high moral standards are old fashioned and irrelevant in todays society. Deceptions lead youth to be idle, to lose sight of divine identity. Virtuous youth can change the world. She said that with the Lord, we can do anything!
"Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly,then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God."

It was a good day! We had some friends over for breakfast and they went home just before conference started. We all watched it in our jammies. After it was over we went to my mom & dad's for THE BEST fried chicken. I'm not kidding when I say "the best". I love Conference Sunday's. These pictures are so not cute! but this is all we have to work with!

SCRUB A DUB DUB

2008-10-09T06:23:00.002-06:00

Poor little Cinderlyssi! If you can't tell what she is doing, she is scrubbing the kitchen floor. My girls came home from school on Friday and I had a list for them to choose from. Lyssi got stuck with the scrubbing the floor. She said "mom, you can't even see that it is dirty." Well the dirty water proved her wrong. She did a good job, and after telling me over and over that it was taking her forever and her friends watching on the sidelines waiting for her to finish so they could go have fun, she finally got done and it looked wonderful!

DADDY DAUGHTER DATE

2008-10-09T06:13:00.003-06:00

Loren was so excited! She got to go on a date with Dad! It was a western hoe down. She even talked her dad into wearing cowboy clothes. They went to the church and ate and danced. They both had a lot of fun. It was Friday night so Ems, Lyssi, and Haley were all out so that meant that I had the whole lonely house to myself. I had to force myself to enjoy it.

PUMPKIN PATCH

2008-10-06T08:11:00.013-06:00

I got to go to Lorens field trip! I was so happy, and so was Loren! We had fun! There was so much to do and see. There were 3 schoolclasses there and there were kids everywhere. We went in a corn maze and got completely lost. There were slides, a big pumpkin to jump in and a hayride and they got to pick their own pumpkin. Loren has a cute teacher, Mrs Hodges. She has fun with her class.
Loren had a fun group. She had all of her best girl friends with her all day! They are full of fun and drama!

I have never seen a pig race until now. Loren loved the slides. She was scared to go down the 1st time but loved it! Fun times at the farm!!

I loved being able to go with Loren. She was happy too. It's fun watching her with all of her friends having fun!

It was a fun day!!!

MY DAD'S BIRTHDAY

2008-10-04T11:32:00.006-06:00

My dad's birthday was this weekend. My mom, Shelly & Kasey went to St. George for Jd's baby's blessing. Sunday, my dad and Todd came to dinner. Todd left before this picture and Ems had to work. We had a good day. I can't believe my dad is 69! He looks good doesn't he?! We love my dad and love spending time all together as a family. I love Mom & Dad living close to us. Now that Todd moved back, we all live close. I love that my girls can call & in a heartbeat, they know that they can have support & love at their fingertips. I love my family and grateful that we live close and all love being together.

Loren loves Todd (my brother). When he is around, Loren and Kasey are right by his side. They usually end up on his shoulders with him running around the house. Today Loren and Todd had fun. They danced a little bit and Todd even taught Loren how to strum the guitar. Todd is so sweet with all his nieces. He plays with them and is gentle and kind. We love Todd.

My friend Mar's daughter Jill gave Loren a ghost for Halloween. Loren plays with it every day . She dresses "Frighten" and keeps it with her. (along with all of her other little friends) I went to tuck her in and she had a bundle all snuggled up with her and she was sound asleep. What an angel I have!