
Tuesday, April 1
Ashtyn and Jordyn

Posted by christine at 3:23 PM 8 comments
Wednesday, March 26
Lovin' our babies!
Even though raising colts is going to be a lot of work, I'm so excited to start with them young. I've always loved horses but have been really afraid of them. I don't know if it's because they are so powerful and majestic, or because my friend in sixth grade was drug to death by one. I want to get over my fear and think being around them early will totally help. My girls absolutely love them and always beg to "go see the horses". Even little Jordyn and Avery aren't scared of them and feed the horses from their hands. I'm so happy that my girls can have this experience growing up and learn love and responsibility for the horses.

Posted by christine at 9:37 PM 8 comments
Tuesday, March 25
Enchanted Easter!!
Easter was great this year! It was just our little family and very relaxing. The girls went to Grandma's Easter egg hunt on Saturday and had a fun time trying to find their eggs using the clues Grandma had drawn. Sunday started early since we have to be to church at 8:40, so the girls got to peek in their baskets and really dive in after we got home. They looked adorable in their pastel dresses! Mommy gave them the Enchanted movie and we all watched it together after church (even Jim laughed a few times and thought it was clever-I absolutely LOVE it!!)
Posted by christine at 2:49 PM 7 comments
Friday, March 21
Happy Birthday Babe!
It was Jim's birthday on Wednesday and even though this is a couple of days late, I still wanted to wish him a Happy Birthday. Last year on his 30th b-day, he was alone on business and didn't have anyone to celebrate it with. So this year was definitely better because he was home with us!
Jim has never been afraid to change a poopy diaper, give the girls a bath, wipe a snotty nose, watch a princess/barbie movie, or read countless books to show his love for his daughters. I am so appreciative that he helps out as much as he does. He definitely makes my job a lot easier (although for the life of him, he absolutely cannot do hair-not even a pony tail).
Posted by christine at 1:27 PM 5 comments
Monday, March 17
Sunshine and Snowboardin'
Jim and I went snowboarding together (finally!) on Saturday and had a blast. It was 40 degrees and totally sunny. We ended up taking off our hats, coats, and even gloves because we were so hot. Jim has the funniest sunburn on his face. He wore goggles cause it was so bright and totally looks like he still has them on. We are both still getting the hang of boarding but made a major improvement. I caught my back edge and biffed it hard twice. I mean head slamming the ground, hat and glasses flying off, me just laying there to get my bearings. I have been so sore the last couple of days, especially my neck. I think I got a good case of whiplash but it was still dang fun. Of course I forgot my camera, but I'll have to post a picture of our new boards when I take one-they are way sweet! By the way, new boards are especially slippery and fast! Be warned!
We had a fun weekend because the girls were at a sleepover at Grandma's (thanks Mom!). Jim and I went to a movie (10,000 B.C.-it was good) Friday night and spent Saturday together in Driggs (looking at a house we're interested in) and then boardin'. It's so good to spend time together without the kids every once in a while.
Posted by christine at 10:18 PM 9 comments
Tuesday, March 11
All About Avery!!!
Avery was tagged by her friend Elle Eaton! Elle's mommy was my girls' awesome baby-sitter while Mommy worked for about five months. Avery misses her like crazy and whenever the doorbell rings, she runs to the the door and yells, "Kara's here!".We were so excited when Avery came out with lots of dark hair. She didn't keep it very long, but we thought she was a beautiful baby. Although she came as a suprise only 12 months after Jordyn, Mommy was so excited to be having another girl. She was our smallest baby at 6 pounds and was so delicate and sweet!

Avery has always been a very happy, smiley, playful baby! She didn't sleep very good for about the first 5 weeks, but then she turned into my best sleeper and still takes a 3-4 hour nap every day.


Avery has an extreme passion for shoes. She tries on 3-4 different pair everyday. It doesn't matter if they are mine, her's, Jordyn's, Ashytn's, or Daddy's. She's not picky! She started trying them on when she was about 9 months old and hasn't given it up. She walks down the stairs in Ashtyn's dress-up shoes better than Mommy walks in heels. Since she's always so happy, if we ever heard Avery whining or getting upset as a baby, I immediately knew she was trying to get shoes on and was having a hard time. I was always right! Now she's a master at it, buckles and all, and was even trying to tie laces today when she put on a pair of Ashtyn's friend's shoes.

Avery is the busiest baby I have ever seen. The only time she lays or sits down is when she's sleeping, playing a certain game, or eating (which after about 5 minutes, she stands in her high chair). We always tease that we got a boy, and his name is Avery. She gets into every drawer, cupboard, and anything else she can pull out, dump, scatter, or make a mess. I never had to baby-proof my house because my other girls were never into this, but Avery doesn't stay still for a second. She is really good at entertaining herself, but Mommy gets tired trying to keep up with her and clean up her messes. Luckily, she likes to clean up now and sings, "clean up, everybody clean up" to herself.

Avery is very playful and mischevious! She loves to make people laugh and will put on quite the show if she has an audience. She loves being chased, playing hide & seek, peek-a-boo, and dancing. She is such a fun little girl and always keeps a happy mood in the house. Avery has been a very early talker and will say anything we say. Her vocabulary is amazing! She loves books and songs, and loves to sing. At only 22 months, she can count to 12, knows her ABC's, and sings tons of songs almost word-for-word. At her 18-month check-up, she sang "I am a Child of God" to the doctor, and he was blown away. Her current favorite song is "Learn of Me", a Young Women's song I started singing to her a couple of months ago. It has three long versus plus the melody, and she knows the whole thing. She also loves the "Sound of Music" and sings "Eidle Vise(?)" and "So do la fa me do re". She also love the "Enchanted" Soundtrack, Brooks & Dunn, and Taylor Swift. Whenever we get into the car, she always says, "I want that stupid 'ole pick-up truck". It is so dang cute to hear her sing, and we make her do it all the time!
Avery is one of the sweetest, happiest, most fun babies I know. I can't believe she is growing up so fast. Even though she can get a little sassy sometimes and bully her older sister Jordyn (hey-they're 12 months apart. They are either best friends or enemies!), she loves her sisters and they love playing together! While Ashtyn is at school and before Avery takes a nap, she and Jordyn usually play together every afternoon. Most of the time it is fun, innocent play, but sometimes they can be double troube. Like the time they climbed onto the table and ate all the cheetos, or the time they scooped all of the toilet water out of the potty and were swimming in it on the bathroom floor. They keep things rolling!!!!We love you Avery, and even though you were an unexpected suprise, we know you were meant to be here at this time. You have brought so much love, happiness, and smiles to our lives. (And a ton of craziness, too! Could you maybe just want to snuggle all day with Mom tomorrow and not make any messes? I'm feeling a little tired!)
Avery tags Olivia Thomason and Max Loveless!
Posted by christine at 9:58 PM 7 comments
Friday, March 7
I want a job with perks!

Posted by christine at 12:35 PM 3 comments
Thursday, February 28
Bodily Fluids Overload
Ok-so yesterday Avery woke up covered in throwup. Today she woke up covered in diarrhea: up to her neck; in her toes; all over her blankets! Poor little girl-I don't know if this is connected to the chicken pox or if she has some sort of stomach bug. So into the bath she goes with little floating poop pieces allover, and I get to wash bedding AGAIN. It's not just changing the sheets mind you; it's untying all the bumper pad strings, taking out the mattress, washing the sheets, the mattress pads, the blankets, and the stuffed animals that she sleeps with. And then I get to put it all together again before she goes for a nap in a couple of hours!
Posted by christine at 7:39 AM 2 comments
Wednesday, February 27
Mommy needs a Vacation!!!
Just thought I'd add to the craziness of the last few weeks. As if we haven't had enough. Avery woke up at 5:30 a.m. covered in throw-up (I thought we were done with that last week). Avery finally fell back asleep (in my bed) about 7:00 but then Jordyn came down and got in my bed and woke up Avery. They've been playing ever since, and I haven't been sleeping. Since Jim is out-of-town, I did my usual stay up 'til 2:00 a.m. so I got 3 1/2 hours of sleep. Yeah!
But I did learn one thing from the throwing up a couple of weeks ago: Chunks do not dissolve in the washer! So I was scraping the sheets, blankets, jammies, and elmo stuffed doll this morning with a spoon to get the chunks off before washing everything. Let's just say I don't have much of an appetite this morning (which could be another good thing!).
Happy Wednesday!!!
Posted by christine at 8:17 AM 1 comments
Tuesday, February 26
My Paper Dolls
Do you ever find yourselves living vicariously through your kids? This has become my favorite thing to do. I love to shop-not for me because I'm way self-conscious and think I look too fat in everything, but for my girls. All the fashions and styles I wish I could wear I buy for my girls. Poor things-they are probably sweating in their thick sweaters and furry boots, but I can't resist. I put them through all kinds of torture: matching hats and hairbows; different shoes with each outfit; winter tights with snowflakes and sparkly stripes; poofy GAP coats with fur-trimmed hoods; flared jeans with rhinestone embellishments; mini-skirts and sundresses; little bikinis where their fat tummies stick out; the list goes on and on. Every time I see Ashtyn's little butt in cute jeans, I think "why can't my hiney look that good?"
Honestly, I find so many cute things in the baby section that I'd want to wear. Can they make that in my size? Umm....Except for the bikinis and mini-skirts. I don't think anybody wants to see my jiggly stomach and thighs hanging out.
Posted by christine at 10:15 PM 3 comments
Sunday, February 24
It's been a while....
I apologize for my lengthy retreat. Between an entire sick family with influenza and a computer bogged down with viruses, I haven't been able to blog. Let me tell you it's been hell! I almost had to check myself into a medical facility for withdrawal symptoms. And not from being absent from my own blog, but from being away from all of yours. I felt like I was missing everyone else's reality.
Anyway, I promise to do better this week after I download the pictures from my camera. And if my cat leaves me alone. Every time I sit at the desk, she jumps up and plops right in front of the computer so I can't see. I have to scoot her over, and then she sits and watches me for the rest of the time. I swear, if one of my kids isn't hanging on me, it's the cat. AAAHHHH!!!
Oh yeah, did I mention that Avery has chicken pox? And I just found spots on Ashtyn and Jordyn. What a year!!!! 
Posted by christine at 4:16 PM 3 comments
Wednesday, February 6
Wishing away Winter!
(My little family on a 4-wheeler ride last summer in the mountains. We stopped at a little spring to cool off, swig some gatorade, and snap a picture for posterity.)
Oh how I wish for sunny weather and snowless days. I wish my little family was in the mountains right now on a warm, summer day instead of curled up by the fireplace trying to stay warm. Don't get me wrong, I love living in a place where we get to witness the four seasons at their best, but this particular one has overstayed it's welcome at my house. We just received 6 inches of snow last night and are expected to receive 4-5 more tonight (on top of the tons of snow we already have-I think there is close to 4 feet in our backyard).
And of course Jim is out of town; thanks to my Dad and neighbor for plowing me out this morning. Can you imagine me and my three girls loaded up on the 4-wheeler in all of our fat snow clothes trying to figure out the blade to plow the driveway? I guess I could resort to the perfectly capable snow shovel, but who wants to get that much exercise in one afternoon. We have a very long driveway!
I'm thankful for all the snow we've received as our reservoirs will be full this spring and our farmers will have enough water for their crops. It is also so beautiful outside with the land blanketed in a glistening snow. I should hardly complain since the Lord is blessing us, but I am longing for the days when I can complain that it is too hot because my legs are sticking to the leather seats in my car. Will I ever be happy?
Posted by christine at 4:09 PM 2 comments
Monday, February 4
Book of Mormon Challenge
Posted by christine at 4:42 PM 4 comments
Monday, January 28
In his loving arms...

What an amazing man! I was so sad to hear of President Hinckley's passing yesterday. Jim and I both shed tears over the great love we have for him. He truly is a prophet of God, and has touched so many with his gentle manner. We will miss him, but I'm so happy that he is once again in the arms of his sweet wife. I'm sure they are sharing their own glorious moment of peace and happiness.
Posted by christine at 11:45 AM 1 comments
Wednesday, January 23
Crazy!!!
I think this is so sad! I really liked Heath as an actor-I love Ten Things I Hate About You. I feel so bad for his little daughter. He obviously loved her so much and she looks so much like him. Whether it was a drug overdose or not, this seems to be happening more and more. When is the world going to get a clue on the dangers of drugs-prescription or illegal? They are both dangerous! Posted by christine at 3:32 PM 1 comments
Tuesday, January 22
Three Amigos!
I swore I'd never be one of those moms who dressed their kids alike. But it is just way too cute not to-especially having 3 girls. I usually only have them in coordinating colors but these overalls were too adorable to pass up. (Notice the slight difference in their pink shirts. Hey, they have to have a little uniqueness, don't they?) By the way, age 5 is way worse than terrible two's! Ashtyn decided to have an attitude and not smile. Oh how I look forward to the teenage years!
Posted by christine at 4:12 PM 4 comments
Monday, January 21
Writer's strike rediculous!
This writer's strike is getting pretty dang annoying. I keep forgetting it's happening until I go to check my DVR for the latest episode of Desperate Housewive's (I'll repent later!!) and nothing is recorded. I know this sounds pretty lame, but I actually look forward to the show every Sunday night for a little escape from reality before Monday starts with all of the craziness of a new week. If every actor donated one of their cars or 10 pair of designer shoes to the writers, maybe they could get something worked out. COME ON, there are people starving all over this world, and Hollywood alone has enough money to change that. What's up?
Posted by christine at 4:31 PM 2 comments
Tuesday, January 15
Thursday, January 3
All Bundled Up!

Posted by christine at 5:03 PM 0 comments
The Hassman Nativity
I've decided this is as close to Angel as Avery is going to get. The children in our family dress up for the Nativity Scene every year, and Avery played the part of Angel. Too bad she has been acting like a little devil lately. I seriously think she is just too smart and gets bored so easily. She's into everything, and now she throws attitude into everything. She can talk better than most 2 1/2 year-olds, knows her ABC's, counts to 11, and sings several songs including "I am a Child of God". I don't know what to do with her 'cause she's do dang cute, but sometimes I want to slip a little tranquilizer into her sippy cup (not really for all of you who are worried about an impending breakdown-I'm Fine!).
Ashtyn was Mary, and Jordyn was the tiny little shepard with the white head piece and brown headband. She kept saying "I'm a wiseman". Who do you think enjoyed this little play more, the kids or the parents?
Posted by christine at 4:51 PM 0 comments






