Kristen Smiles

First Day of School!

2011-10-02T15:58:00.000-07:00

Max -1st grade
Jack and Grace-3rd grade

Triplet's 1st Birthday!

2011-10-02T15:28:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday
Cole, Ava, and Henry!

Thank you to everyone who came to celebrate not only the babies special day, but helped us celebrate the survival of our 1st year of triplets.. a feat I wasn't so sure I could conquer. It was such a fun day that began with silent tears of joy during their morning feedings. I'm so very aware of what a blessing the triplets are. You can all imagine the never ending work and stress three babies would be but unless you have triplets, you can't imagine the overwhelming joy and happiness that comes from mothering three at once. I often feel that the most difficult part of having triplets is deciding which baby to cuddle and kiss on. They are wonderful and I can't express my gratitude having the privilege to raise them.
Happy,happy day!

Jack and Grace's 8th Birthday and Baptism

2011-10-02T14:58:00.001-07:00

Happy 8th birthday Jack and Grace! I love you so!

Clay, Jack, and Grace right before the baptisms!

Before and Afters of my sweet kiddos

After the Baptisms and Confirmations, friends and family came to our house and enjoyed crepes and orange julius. It was a delightful day. I'm such grateful mommy.

Summer 2011

2011-10-02T12:40:00.000-07:00

goofy helpers

my life got substantially easier when the babies started to hold their own bottles this summer!

lots and lots of swimming with friends this summer. it's so nice that they can all swim so well now.

My parents reported to the MTC on the 4th of July. This is most of my family sending them off. They are in the Denver Colorado North mission. Such amazing missionaries and such amazing examples for all of us!

The 4th of July Parade in Provo. Jack, Grace, and Max were there too.. i just didn't get many pictures that day since i was a little preoccupied roping the babies in every two seconds. :)

Lots of playing in our backyard since i was too chicken (smart) to take the babies anywhere with water. they loved their little pool and splash pad and i loved that we could fit in fun in the sun in between naps. lots of smiles and giggles!

good thing i have 3 amazing helpers for my 3 babies! all summer long the big kids would come up with fun things like this to entertain the babies with.
this day was rocket day (inspired by the baby boy's t shirts) haha.

Happy Birthday Maxwell!

2011-10-02T12:37:00.001-07:00

For Max's birthday we went "surfing" at Provo Beach Resort.
So much fun!

My favorite 6 year old!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2011-10-02T12:35:00.000-07:00

Degraff family picture July 2011

2011-10-02T12:27:00.000-07:00

Max's soccer season

2011-10-02T11:13:00.000-07:00

2011-09-29T16:39:00.000-07:00

this morning's stroll with the triplets. loving this september weather!

babies 4 month birthday (on the 20th)

2011-01-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

i'm coming to terms with the fact that i won't be getting a good picture of all three babies until 2013. but i thought i'd post some so you can see how big they are getting!

i thought this picture was funny cause cole is being a ham.. he is ALWAYS smiling. just ask the other kids who has a perma-grin. ava is quite the serious baby. this expression is usually what she's sporting. she will smile when talked to and smiled at but only if she has a full tummy and isn't too tired. she isn't grumpy.. she just likes to chill and doesn't demand attention. and henry is super happy lately too. he is our serious wiggle worm. he's always kicking and laughing. he does not like to be still for more than a few seconds. it's funny. bath time with that boy is hilarious. i usually get all wet too.

see what i mean about ava liking to chill and relax? she's been known to fall asleep on the floor while i'm tending to another baby. i love how easy she is. i think she's purposely being kind to her mommy cause she loves her so much! :)

recently, the trio is looking at each other and getting to know one another. i love watching them smile and laugh at each other.. it tickles my heart and makes raising three babies at once a bit more rewarding. they are sleeping better these days and so clay and i are feeling a lot more rested, thank goodness. i'm super busy during the day, but it's so nice to be greeted with smiles for hours on end these last few weeks. i love it!

here's a picture gracie took of cole and i today (kinda blurry haha). i love sundays. it's nice to have clay home all day and so i get a nap if i'm lucky. the past few weeks, we have been building fires in our fireplace almost every evening. i enjoy reading with the older kids while holding one of the babies. today we've been playing connect four, setting up our big train set... fireside. sooo funny to see how amused the babies think this is. i thoroughly love watching the world through the eyes of these little ones. what a nice day.

Happy Sunday!

2010-12-26T18:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
with Love,
Clay, Kristen, Jack, Grace, Maxwell, Cole, Ava, & Henry DeGraff

2010-12-22T08:31:00.000-08:00

silent night...

2010-12-22T08:12:00.000-08:00

last year jack started reading this book series. he loves it and the main character's name is jack so it makes it that much more fun for him. he reads a chapter or two every night before he goes to sleep on his top bunk bed. for Christmas he wants a few of the books from the series he's missing and i thought it would be awesome if i made something that looked like this and made his bunk bed look like a tree house. i'm finally done making it and now i just have to put it on his wall. i'm so excited to do this for him. i even got a big pack of glow in the dark stars so he'll feel like he's really outside! i'll have to post a picture when it's done.

2010-12-22T05:43:00.000-08:00

the kids are always helping with the babies!! it's really sweet and a win win for everyone!

and sometimes, if you're lucky and listen carefully, the babies talk! like when cole said "hi" right before i took this picture! hahaha! max was so excited!

a year at a glance

2010-11-02T18:21:00.001-07:00

i've been wanting to start blogging again since there are thoughts i have everyday that i would love to remember and share with loved ones.
this is more of a journal entry to catch up to speed. it's long but it has been a year! :)

this past year has been quite a crazy one! at the beginning of the year, we moved... just down the street. after looking for months for our perfect house, we ended up here.. in the same ward , same school, same friends. i was happy to be in the familiar community but i must confess, a little disappointed that we hadn't found our dream home yet. the house we are in now is older, smaller but cozier than our previous one. i was determined to make the best out of it and not to let my home define me or my happiness. as we moved in, i painted the walls and we put our mark on it and now i love it. love love love it.
the day after valentines day we found out i was pregnant. clay and i had been hoping for another child for about two years. finally, we made the decision to do some mild fertility treatments for a month or two and if i got pregnant great but if not, we were thrilled with our wonderful three kiddies we already had. i remember i tried not to get my hopes up as i reflected back on the struggles (physically, emotionally, etc...) i had for years of infertility before the twins came 7 years ago. well, our first month trying i was pregnant and so very excited. i called my doctor and told him about the positive test. he asked me to go into to his office and do some blood work. i did and then he called me later that day a bit concerned. he said that i was definitely carrying multiples.. he just didn't know how many yet. two weeks later, i went in for an ultrasound and we saw three tiny embryos. needless to say, clay and i were in a state of not only shock, but denial. crazy! then, as the news sunk in the following days and weeks, my feelings changed.

for the most part i was excited. my other two pregnancies i loved being pregnant. i love knowing that i'm creating something inside of me. i love feeling them move in me. i love the anticipation and the spiritual feelings that come along with the experience. with three inside, thriving and growing, i pretty much felt like a walking miracle. it was an exceptional experience that i wish i could explain in words but i can't. i had never been so scared, nervous, proud, happy, excited, worried, curious, grateful all at the same time for such a long period of time.

this past summer was hot. very hot and i spent most days on our couch. as difficult as those 35 weeks were, looking back i just remember the good feelings. getting choked up during the many ultrasounds, laughing at how ginormous i was, and clay and i looking at each other in disbelief that this had really happened to US! that WE were going to have TRIPLETS!! we would just shake our heads and laugh (and sometimes cry) at the thought of us juggling three little babies.
the long summer days usually included the kids spending a large amount of time outside. swimming at a friends house or playing in our neighbors yard were basically all they did. once in a while a friend or family member took them fun places for us. i was so grateful to them and was happy to know that my somewhat motherless children were being entertained. one unexpected lesson i learned was how the simple life is a better life. i read a lot to the kids this summer. we sat around and had deep conversations and wonderful teaching opportunities. i taught gracie how to crochet and they all tended to our garden religiously every day. we grew closer during those few precious months. i will never forget the good that came of us slowing down and how happy they were with this simple life.

towards the end of my pregnancy i was, needless to say, miserable. i was huge and there was really no comfortable position. i was counting down the days and hours to mid september, when my doctor said they would probably arrive. every doctor appointment i would hope that he would tell me to go get my bags and run to the hospital, but he never did. all he would say is "you're doing great! keep it up!" lol. it should have made me happy but i wanted to say "no i'm not! i want these babies out today, like, RIGHT NOW!!" thankfully my last appointment (when i was measuring 7 inches bigger that full term) we scheduled my c-section for september 20th. i was so excited to know that the end (and the beginning of a wild adventure) was near!
the morning of monday, september 20th, clay and i dropped off the kids to school and headed to the hospital! before long i was walking into the o.r.

i was overcome by a feeling of gratitude and excitement as i observed the doctors and nurses busily preparing for the rare delivery of triplets. everything went perfectly and it seemed like the easiest delivery ever!
cole hardy came first at 12:43 weighing in at 5lbs 11oz

then ava at 12:44 5lbs 8oz

finally henry robert at 12:45 4lbs 13oz

i stayed in the hospital until friday afternoon and came to hospital every morning for a few hours. this really wore me out as i was still recovering from the surgery. i did this for a week and the following friday we brought the babies home. it was general conference weekend and such a lovely two days. i felt as though i was in heaven. the spirit the babies brought was so touching and combined with the inspiring speakers it was an incredible experience.
ever since we've thoroughly enjoyed these new sweet additions to our home and lives. jack, grace, and max have surprised me immensely. they have been serious helpers and they are soooo in love with the babies. they ALWAYS want to be with them and hug and kiss them. it's so cute. a few days after we brought them home all three babies were laying on the floor and their big brothers and sister were singing them a song they made up. " i love you, i love you, i love you very much. i love you, i love you, i love you very much" to a tune i've never heard before. i scrambled for the video camera and clay and i looked at each other with tears in our eyes.

this is what life is all about!

more to come on the babies and our new family happenings soon!

december saturdays

2009-12-13T18:46:00.000-08:00

what a busy december saturday.
yesterday i
1st- woke up and got myself and my four kids (clay included) ready for the day.
2nd- drove for two hours to fruit heights (got kinda lost).
3rd- eventually made it to a delightful family party where we ate yummy brunch, made gingerbread houses, read Christmas stories, and laughed as great grandpa bob (anderson) took the little ones on a ride in his new "jazzy".
4th- went to a luncheon where a bunch of people got together from the ward i grew up in. it was so fun seeing my old friends and teachers who helped shaped my life way back when.
5th- made a stop at my parents house and watched my patient dad make sugar cookies with the kids.
6th- went

here

here

and then

here

with my darling friend stacey.
it was a lovely evening.
7th- made it home late and crashed in my cozy bed.
phew.
i feel so blessed to have had such a fun filled day with loved ones.

max.

2009-12-13T18:19:00.000-08:00

just now, as i was helping max into his jammies, i couldn't help admiring his soft round cheeks, pouty lips, and his lovely, innocent eyes. i kissed him on the nose where it turns up a little at the tip. i melted... i softly said "max, don't get bigger, ok? stay little just like this." usually he looks at me a little confused when i say this and says "i CAN'T!" but tonight he softly said "ok, i'll just say, i don't want a birthday." and hugged me.
my oh my i love this child.

Halloween '09

2009-11-01T19:10:00.001-08:00

trunk or treat

halloween fell on a saturday this year so the day seemed like an eternity. the kids wanted to go trick-or-treating the minute they woke up. i thought i would make a fun early dinner to have something to look forward to. we made spooky root beer, eyeballs (grapes) and i made this creepy meatloaf "hand". i was pleased with how gross it turned out looking. i was trying so hard not to laugh when i put it on the table. none of the kids wanted to eat it.

then after a couple of minutes of clay and i eating and saying how yummy it was, they all decided to try it (after i told them it's just meatloaf). they loved it and it was funny listening to them say things like "i want the pinky" and "i think this is hulk's hand" and "this is such a yummy thumb"! haha

we went to jack and gracie's school for the parade and parties! so cute and fun!

family pictures

2009-10-08T11:00:00.001-07:00

we finally got new family pictures! megan (moondoggie) took them and i'm really happy with how they turned out.
love how she captured the children's personalities.
love this orchard.
love my family.

news and applesauce

2009-10-06T19:16:00.000-07:00

first off, some news.. i want to make sure everyone
knows that our friends,
Christian and Stephanie Nielson
are going to be on the
* Oprah show *

tomorrow!

i'm so excited.

today the boys and i took a trip down to allred's, while gracie was at dance class, and bought a bunch of apples and peaches. delicious! just another perk this time of year offers us.

when we got home we made applesauce.

it was fun to make...

and very yummy to eat!
and our house smelled like cooked
apples and cinnamon.
mmm.....

tomorrow i might just make peach/raspberry jam.
and a peach pie.
clay will be so happy.

random things going on around here....

2009-10-04T15:29:00.000-07:00

this is something you can see on a daily basis after max gets home from pre-school. he walks through the door and we read his library book and then he wants to go spend time with "peter" our bunny (birthday present for jack and grace). he's usually out there for quite a long time, depending on the weather. he loves when i have carrots and lettuce in the fridge and is very happy and content spending time out on our deck petting and talking to peter. it's seriously so dang cute.

jack just started jr jazz last week. he LOVES it! he's the shortest on the team but it's ok, it doesn't seem to bother him. he even made a basket! fantastic!!! some of the moms of the boys on his team are friends of mine so it makes it that much more fun to go! **clay's not happy that it's jr. JAZZ. he almost didn't let him sign up. what a dork.

little gracie girl cheered at our local highschool football game. it was fun(ny)! she was so cute and tried so hard to remember the cheers and actions that went along with them, but alas, she's six and well, at least remembered a couple! she had a ton of fun down there with a few of her friends from school. she looked super cute and pretty much goofed off most of the time. all in all it was $25 well spent!
**however i didn't love it when some guy (who had a son playing) asked me if i had a son playing! smack!

general conference weekend was wonderful. i very much enjoyed each and every talk. all three of our kids are finally at an age where they will listen (color) for the most of the talks. the second session on sunday, however, they got restless and bored so clay and i just let them do whatever (except for Pres. Monson's talk). jack and max built a haunted fort on the stairs and gracie decided to write and illustrate a bunch of books and play library. the boys were trying to get gracie to "go through" their haunted house and gracie was trying to get the boys to come "check out" her books! they worked together so well and played so nice for the rest of the day. i love that they are such good friends and truly take care of each other. i also love that they are so creative in their play. my brothers and sister used to do stuff like this all the time growing up and i have such fond memories of those special times.

tonight for fhe we had a game night and played go fish and a little candy game i made up. they LOVED it and we all had such a great time being together. i feel like it's the most simple things in life that bring me such joy. i'll never forget clay and i trying not to laugh when we the kids would help each other while we played "go fish" (ie. after gracie asked max if he had any starfishes, and max said "go fish", jack would say "next time ask me"!) clay and i got such a kick out this and had to explain the strategy of the game (again... we play this quite often) hahaha... they just want to help! so funny.
the candy game was really fun too. i had a bought a ton of candy from costco the other day for all my apothecary jars and the kids have been asking if they could have a piece now and then. i pretty much say "no. it's for halloween!" every time, but i thought we could have some for the fhe treats. so i scattered a bunch all over the floor and we all took turns throwing one of my hard metal bracelets trying to get the bracelet to land around or on a piece of candy. the kids thought it was the funnest thing ever and jack kept getting candy. he was sooooo excited every time. like every parent i have so much joy watching my children's successes. even if it's throwing a bracelet over a piece of candy.
lesson learned this evening- tis a gift to be simple.
i love my family.

justin hackworth

2009-10-02T20:58:00.000-07:00

a few weeks ago, gracie and i went in to justin hackworth's studio for a mother daughter photo shoot. here are my favorites!

i heart autumn

2009-09-30T20:11:00.001-07:00

today i got an itch to decorate the house for HaLloWeEn.

so i got out all of my painted gourds,

filled my apothecary jars with candy,

and hung my little banners.

it was so beautiful outside today. all the colors on the mountain were so bright. the clouds hovered all day long and kept the air crisp and cool. it was the kind of day where i wanted to stay tucked away in my bed all day long. but of course i couldn't so after volunteering in jack's class, i went home and waited for my max to come home from preschool. together we made banana bread and i lit my pumpkin spice candle. the house had such a wonderful smell... it made me smile. before i knew it it was time to go pick up the twins from school. then we went to the park to capture the colors of the mountains but these don't do them justice. they were much more vibrant in real life.
oh well.

jack being funny and grace and paige "freezing"
(it wasn't THAT cold).

jack being silly again...
and gracie pretending like she is having fun

then gracie got too cold so we left. when we got home, i could smell our neighbor's fire in their fireplace. it was heavenly. i am so in love with this weather. it makes me so happy.
the day went on and was very busy and hectic. that's our life right now...
wouldn't change a thing!

looking forward to conference weekend

2009-09-28T18:24:00.000-07:00

yesterday the kids received this lovely booklet as they left primary. if you have little ones, i highly recommend you print a copy for them. my favorite page is the one where they get to color the ties. how fun is that? tonight we went through the many activities in the book and discussed how wonderful it is that we get to listen to our beloved prophet and other church leaders this weekend. all three are VERY excited to fill out their books and do the various activities. i'm VERY excited and looking forward to being spiritually fed! hooray for conference weekend!

tar

2009-09-27T16:57:00.000-07:00

"the amazing race" starts tonight.

allow me to explain the reasoning
behind my love for this show.

1. it's a show about traveling around the world... it highlights the diversity and the beauty of the earth, cultures, and people.
2. i enjoy watching the interaction between the teams (couples). it's interesting to me to see relationships under stress. some relationships blossom and some crumble. i think we see each others true colors when we are under stress and out of our comfort zones. this season's couples all seem pretty great! it should be fun.
3. i also like to watch the interaction between the different teams. i.e. the "old people" interacting with the "gay couple", or the two brothers that think a certain girl is hot ...etc. there's always a mean guy or a bratty girl and it's fascinating to see how people react, and if they let it affect their game or not.. and if it's in a positive or negative way.
4. the competition on this show is very intense. everything about this race is VERY challenging, not only physically, but emotionally and psychologically. a lot of the time, it's not about the money(one million smackers). it's about individuals challenging themselves and wanting to have a once in a lifetime experience with a loved one. when it all comes down to it, the winners at the finish line are just as excited that they won and did their best and "endured to the end", if you will, and the money is a great bonus for their hard work and perseverance. i can't imagine the feelings/emotions of that moment. it sounds cheesy, but i liken it to how it may feel like at the end of this life. i love the competition and different attitudes of the teams.
5. i love this show because it gives me something to look forward to. it's pretty much the only show clay and i watch together on a regular basis so it's kind of our sad excuse for an hour of alone time at home where we sit down together and laugh and chat about everything that's going on. sooo fun.
6. i always make a yummy gooey treat to eat while we watch it. what's a good time without refreshments? tonight it's jumbo milk chocolate chip cookies with lots of coconut.

may the best team win!

p.s. i was trying to post every night but didn't last night. sorry. i know you are all (all 6 or 7 of you) so crushed! when i thought of it today i was kinda bummed out. i was going to see how long i could go without missing a night... oh well. after reading a chapter of jack's pirate book, i fell asleep in his bed. i slept from 9-8 this morning! sweet!

bribery & bookmarks

2009-09-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

last night we went to a wonderful little orchard and got our family pictures taken. megan was amazing!(moondoggie, she posted a preview already! YAY!) i'm so excited to see how they all turned out! can't wait. anyway, clay and i had discussed earlier that we would bribe our three rambunctious kiddies and tell them if they were good and did what megan asked, they could each pick out a book at barns and noble. they behaved beautifully.... so we went to the book store and they each picked out a book. jack a "transformers" book. grace an "amelia bedelia" book(my suggestion, love that amelia!). and max a "curious george" book. while we were in line, gracie was ooooing and aaaahing over the selection of bookmarks. who buys bookmarks? i told her we will make some. as a girl i always made my own bookmarks. it's fun, right?! so tonight clay took the boys out and gracie and i stayed in and made bookmarks. i even sacrificed some of my ultimate vintage wool yarn for the love of reading and fancy bookmarks! we made one for jack, max, and some friends too. jack LOOOOVED his so much and has been carrying it around all evening, telling me what books he wants to read and how he can use his new bookmark!

mommy and gracie date!

2009-09-24T21:34:00.001-07:00

a few day's before school started, gracie and i went up to salt lake for a little mother daughter date! we had such a wonderful time! i LOOOVED giving her my full attention... the entire time! she was in heaven! first we got our nails done, then gracie got her hair curled and we did some shopping at the mall (finishing up her school shopping). we went to red iguana for the BEST mexican food, leatherby's, and then off to anniversary inn for the night. we stayed in the "swiss family robinson" room. it was so fun and gracie adored it, BIG time! she still talks about how we slept in a tree house. it was a blast to see her delight. we spent the night watching "barbie and the nutcracker" and eating cheesecake until we both zonked out! we were so dang tired. then we woke up and took a bath in the huge water fall bath tub and made a stop at my favorite children's store "children's hour" on the way home. so fun! i love making special memories with my kiddies. one on one time is priceless!

red iguana-

leatherby's-

our room-

summer time part I

2009-09-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

i thought i'd play catch up tonight!

anderson camping trip '09

thanks to my family for making it happen. i'm not a huge camping fan but this was really very perfect! 3 days and 2 nights of fun filled activities and tons of yummy food. best camping trip in my book!

thanks for the pics jen! :)

j. crew

2009-09-22T21:40:00.000-07:00

i just got my j crew catalog in the mail today. i love when it's catalog mail day. catalogs are like little gifts just for me and it gives me an excuse to sit down on the couch in the middle of the day and drool over fabulous things that i know deep down i'll never get around to purchasing. somehow it satisfies me to just peek. i can't justify buying them so i'll blog about them!

i give to you...
my j. crew favorites
(of the current catalog)

darling belt that would go with just about everything and make even the grungiest shirt sassy and cute.

cute headband eh? i think i might be able to construct a look-a-like. hmmm...

love the color of this coat! i would never let a winter's day get me down if i strutted my stuff in this and took the gloom head on?

i love this color too, but i like the construction more. sophisticated yet feminine. perfect!

LOOOVE this entire ensemble! what kind of pose is this though?!

love. every. last. tinsey. detail. about this outfit. if i had it i wouldn't even get ready for the day (like it looks like this model did). what would be the point! the clothes are really THAT fabulous!

cute cardi. ugly pants.

cute!

i might just have to grab this t while it lasts. (again, what's with this pose? "back off photographer or i'll smack you with my shimmering silver clutch i'm being forced hold... even though my other hand is crammed in this skin tight pocket.")

jack's new found passion

2009-09-21T20:21:00.001-07:00

wednessday, september 16th, 2009
after school in the parking lot
jack- mom! i'm going to be in a race tomorrow!
me- really?
jack- ya, and i'm going to win and get a trophy(reaching for the little green flyer in his back pack)
me- awesome. you are so fast!

thursday, september 17th, 2009
after school in the parking lot
jack- mom! today's the race!
me- ok!
jack- we have to find my fast running shoes.
me- ok!
grace- i hope jack wins! he is sooo fast!
me- he sure is!

so, thursday evening we all headed down to the byu track for the fun run. i didn't know much about this race and i found out it was a mile race. i was beginning to hope he could finish the race... it seemed like a long way to run for him! i couldn't believe how many people came to this thing! every elementary in provo was invited. but nothing intimidated him, he was very excited and couldn't wait for his race!

he came in 20th place out of all the first graders and 4th place out of the boys in his school! he had such a blast and couldn't stop smiling! i was so proud of my little man. he can't wait for the next race and now he wants to run all the time. we told him for fhe tonight we could go down to the track and practice. we ran a bunch of races, all five of us! it was super fun!

stretching/ posing/ goofing off

striking a pose, again!

still posing, max trying to stretch

ready, set, go!

crazy boys

a good night... i love my little runners.

my return and some music

2009-09-20T19:14:00.000-07:00

hello! it's been a loooong time since i've posted! wow. i've been thinking about what a blogger slacker i've been and at the same time thinking about all of the things i want to be able to remember about this time in my life.... so i'm setting a goal. i really want to start posting everyday. even if it's super random thoughts or lame activities we did that day, i don't want to forget how wonderful life can be if i can just sit and reflect for a few minutes. it's really good for my soul, and the kids like coming here and looking at pictures, and so on. so my dear family and friends. there you have it. fair warning.

today's random post is about some of the music i've been listening to recently. music is a big part of my life and easily effects my mood. i'm good at listening non stop to a few songs and wearing them out. these are just a few that i'm loving this past week or so.

sweet disposition is one that i love to listen to in the car with the windows down (perfect weather) really loud. the drums make me happy and the lyrics are pretty cool. i also like that it has an 80's outfield sound to it.

fireflies is SWEET! clay and i love it cause it reminds us of jack. he's into bugs, planets, and staying up late just hanging out with us so it totally fits! jack loves that it's "his" song. it makes him feel special. he loves just sitting here and watching the video too. awesome.

quelqu'um m'a dit- is the most lovely song EVER! i love everything about it. 1. it's in french- the most romantic and beautiful language. 2. carla bruni's voice is angelic. 3. carla bruni is gorgeous. 4. when i first heard (obsessed over) it and didn't know what it was about, i was praying that the lyrics were sweet and wholesome. i found out it's a love song and i love the words as much as the music (sigh). 5. it's the most delightful "drive the kids to school song" somehow it sets the perfect tone for the day and puts all of us in a good mood. 6. the kiddies love it as much as i do. 7. it's from the movie "500 days of summer" so it reminds me of a movie i love. 8. it makes me grateful i have such a wonderful husband who loves me. 9. i love the dramatic guitar (this youtube recording isn't the best, but i liked the video). 10. it makes me happy when i (try to) sing along with it. i feel cool that i know how to a sing french! :)

i hope this music makes you as happy as it makes me. enjoy.

thirty THREE!

2009-05-19T15:17:00.000-07:00

i'm 33 today.

i guess anthro found out about it and decided to celebrate it too!  i am their favorite patron after all!

how nice!

i'm off for more celebrating
here 
with my honey sans the kiddies until tomorrow!

hooray for birthdays!

2009-05-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

My new favorite restaurant..
I give you,

Blue Lemon

go there... you're welcome.

So I'm seeing a trend on my blog and maybe you've picked up on it...
I have a huge passion for food.
May I just publicly express my appreciation to my wonderful ancestors for giving me a high metabolism.
Seriously.

2009-05-13T13:11:00.001-07:00

MY MAX

Last Saturday were eating at
this wonderful establishment
and while he was eating his pepperoni pizza,
he sincerely said
"I wish I had a pepperoni tree!" 

then on the way home he was singing
"I am a child of God"
and instead of
"parents kind and dear",
he sang
"parents kind of dear"
with shoulders shrugged.


hahaha...
love that kid.

Degraff Recent Happenings!

2009-05-02T07:43:00.000-07:00

Soccer!

Jack had an Awsome season!

Great job Jack!

Fairy Party at the library!

So fun and festive! Gracie had a ball with her friends Paige and Brynn!

Easter Egg Hunt!

What a sweet tradition! This year it was such fun getting together with all of our friends!
Thanks summer!

Easter Morning!

Spring Break!

After church on Easter Sunday we went to California for spring break! It was so fun and we stayed in the same Capitola beach house that we were in last time we went in January! It was so wonderful! We got to see my friends Benae and Melissa again! Other than that we just laid around on the beach and shopped and ate yummy food! My kind of family vacation!

This is us walking down to the beach with our friends the Calaways (Clay's partner's family)!

The kiddies at the beach.. They all played so well together! Jack and Grace and Max keep talking about their new friend, Ben. They say "we have a friend Ben and he's 10, and he's our friend!" They also loved Ellie and Nathan! They have a darling little baby girl, Tessa too! When we were walking to the beach one day, Max was walking by her stroller and said "baby tessa is the cutest baby in the whole world! Even cuter than me!!" he said it so seriously... hahaha it was so funny!

I want to live next door to this bakery! It is DIVINE! We went there every chance we got!
It was right down from our little beach house!

Olitas is another favorite place to eat! The lobster quesadilla is so good it's making my mouth water right now! Fabulous!
Oh, and I even got to visit Britex Fabrics in downtown San Francisco! I was so giddy there. It was everything I've ever wanted in a craft/ fabric store all in one place! I could have spent all day there! I was dying!
Then to top it off, Clay signed me up for a spa day at a sweet spa in San Jose! How sweet! It was fun to be pampered!

It was a perfect spring break!

The Beehive Bazaar!

How cute is this mobile! Thanks Molly! I think it will find it's home in our toy room!

Stephanie's yummy cupcakes! Serious indulgence.. and it tastes as wonderful as it looks! (so, i know, i have a weird cupcake fetish!)
We also found a bunch of darling jewlery that I had to snatch up, some cute notebooks from vinaylicious for the boys, a cute skirt noelle made for gracie, and a few other random treasures that i just couldn't live without! :)

Max

Ok, yesterday Max came up to me with a big smile and had a huge chunck of hair missing from his forehead! At first I was a little sad cause i loved his long locks but I couldn't help but laugh at the situation. After having a serious talk about playing with scissors, I buzzed him up! I think he looks as cute as ever! (at least it wasn't Gracie! I don't have to worry about her doing this though.. one time she got gum stuck in her hair and i had to cut out a tiny bit and she was hysterically screaming and crying.. "don't cut it, don't cut it!!!!")

The DeGraff's Pajama Party!

Thursday afternoon I took Gracie to the doctor to have a little rash looked at. Long story short we ended up at the hospital getting a bunch of tests thinking she had rheumatic fever! I was so worried and scared. It's amazing how at noon I'm having lunch with friends laughing and chatting and three hours later I'm in the hospital stressing out about my daughters future health situation. Thank goodness the test results were negative and she just has strep (and not one symptom!?) Anyway, the kids didn't go to school Friday so they missed their pajama party. They were so sad and confused because they didn't feel sick (but they're strep tests were positive!?) Frustration. Well, I told them we would have our own "special" pajama party tonight and we had a blast! We have a book of science experiments that they always want to do but I never am in the mood for. Sooo, we did a bunch of those, had chocolate fondue with lots of yummy treats, and read books until we were all too tired for more! However, we didn't watch any movies or tv since it's "tv turnoff week" at school (they haven't complained at all!? I guess they really want the book they get for the PRIZE!!!)

Such good times!
Life is sweet!

simple pleasures

2009-04-07T11:42:00.000-07:00

funny how cupcakes can make a day so bright!

Jeni's Spring Art Show!

2009-03-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Hello April!
This Wednesday morning I'm heading up to my favorite boutique of the season! I look forward to all her shows and I AlWaYs find something unique and fun! If anyone wants to come along, let me know!

Because I Have Been Given Much....

2009-03-13T21:25:00.000-07:00

Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others, cannot keep it from themselves.

-James M. Barrie

The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
-Mohandas K. Gandhi

I have been blessed with this sunshine and I have loved finding myself in service with

2 amazing opportunities these past couple of months!

It's incredible to see what can be accomplished with hundreds of hearts
in the right place and willing to touch the lives of those in need. The CRAZY generosity of amazing friends, family, and complete strangers is absolutely overwhelming and makes me very emotional just thinking about it. It's so good for me to be reminded of the blessings I have. The blessings I take for granted on a daily basis.

Humbling. Inspiring. Miraculous.

I was privileged to be asked to help with the silent auction portion of the Nie Nie Benefit Concert and Silent Auction for my friend Stephanie Neilson
It was a HUGE success and I felt honored to be a part of the night!

Then, my brilliant friend Laura had the idea to turn a swap party into a giant fund raiser for Mother's without Borders and threw this uber fun "Love Swap"! Another HUGE success!

I'm so grateful for these wonderful experiences and
will hold them close to my heart forever!

max.. again.

2009-02-24T21:10:00.000-08:00

Last Friday night our little family went out to dinner. I got Max out of his car seat and took him into the restaurant while Clay was waiting for the twins. As we were walking he looked at me and out of nowhere asked me "Mommy, did you buy us?" I thought it was a good question for a 3 year old to ask. Most of the "things" we have he asks us where we got them, and I tell him we bought it at this or that store.... I paused for a sec, and then said "No, Heavenly Father gave you to us!" he looked at me and said with his head tilted to the side and eye brows raised and sincerely said "He is sooo NICE!" I smiled and hugged him and said "He sure is!" I love that he reminds me of the simple facts in this life... I'm so grateful to my Heavenly Father for giving me my three gems!

The Best Big Brother Ever!

2009-02-22T12:37:00.001-08:00

A little over a month ago I went to a photography class up in Salt Lake since the hubby got me a sweet new camera (with too many gadgets I knew NOTHING about) for Christmas. I asked my parents to watch my kiddies. I was so excited, it was fun, and I actually learned a lot! On the way home, about 3 minutes before pulling up to my parents house, my mom called and asked where I was (I just thought they were waiting for me to eat or something). Long story short, she told me to hurry because Jack's head was bleeding excessively, he was freaking out, and would definitely need to go to the hospital for stitches. My mom and I took him in and he got stitched up and the doctor let him pick out two stickers! After a very long, dramatic hour at the instacare we went to the store (beforehand I had told him that after we got the stitches in he could pick out a toy) and he picked out a little car. I asked him if he was sure that's what he wanted (wondering why he chose such a small little toy after I had told him he could pick any toy he wanted).. he said yes, so we went to pay for it and the candy and gum was right there so I told him he could choose something. He chose a pack of gum (Gracie's fav). When we got back to my parents house everyone ran to him concerned and glad he was ok. The first thing he did was give the stickers to Max, the gum to Grace, and played contently with his little car! What a sweetie, right? He has always been like this so it didn't surprise me too much. Ever since he could talk and I would give him something he would ask for one for Grace...and now for Max too. I love it!
He's awesome!

Valentines '09

2009-02-20T20:52:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Valentines Day!

As the kiddies get older and older i'm tickled at how boys and girls are sooo very different.. this week of valentines was NO exception! Sooo funny!

*we made valentine cookies
-boys- goofed around consuming as much sugar they could.. and made a mess
-girls (gracie and her friend ellie)- strategically and carefully decorated each cookie and contemplated about who the recipients would be. oh, and i took some time out and made special valentine cookies for each member of our lovely family!

*we made valentines for classmates and friends
-boys- goofed around and finally (after I nagged them for an hour) wrote on their names on the superhero/Disney valentines they picked out and stuffed them in envelopes. Then threw whatever candy in them that they didn't eat first. complaining half the time...
-gracie- took an entire afternoon designing and handwriting "I Love You" and "heart" Grace D. on each individual valentine. Color coordinating doilie hearts and punching out paper hearts, putting them together... making an assembly line of candy in bowls so everyone got the same, fair amount of candy. Loving every minute!

*we came home after the school parties

-boys (Max, Jack and his friend Justin)- dumped out their bags and rummaged through the candy... scarfed down a bunch in a matter of minutes and ran downstairs to play.
-gracie- carefully, one by one reached in her bag and read each valentine.. absolutely tickled and flattered as I helped her read what they all said! She ate a couple pieces of the candy but most of it was too cute to eat at the moment. then after relishing for a while, put all of the valentines away in a bag and put them out of reach of the boys (she knows better than to leave them laying around).

How I enjoy observing these fun times in their lives! It's especially interesting seeing the differences of the boys and girls.. being so close in age.

Anyway, this year valentines was the best ever! It's always nice to be reminded of how much you love your loved ones and be told by them how much they care about and love you! I am so blessed to have so much love in my life... all year long!

Let's build a school!

2009-02-20T07:47:00.001-08:00

Click to enlarge!

This is a huge fundraiser my darling friend Laura Dugovic has been inspired to throw out there for anyone who is willing and able to help "Mothers Without Borders". I think this sounds uber fun! If you want to donate items to help raise some money, email me kdegraff@gmail and i'll come pick up your donations or you can drop them off at my house! Otherwise, I'll see you there where we'll be scoring on a bunch of cute things and help a great cause!

a road trip...

2009-02-11T14:25:00.001-08:00

Here is a ridiculously long post/photo album of our fun filled vacation to California! We had such a great time together as a little family and I really don't want to forget one tinsy thing about it!
soooo, Jack, Grace, Max, Clay.....

Remember when we drove to California? And remember you guys were sooo good in the car and daddy and I really appreciated it! That was fabulous!
Remember that evening we went down to the beach that was by our "cottage" and we thought it would be too dark and cold but daddy said it would be nice.. and it was? And remember you guys found a bunch of random stuff on the beach (like feathers and broken seashells) and you thought it was the coolest thing ever! That was kinda funny!

Remember we went to Ghiradelli's and bought a bunch of chocolate and shared a gynormous sundae? That was SOOO yummy! (oh, and remember that necklace Gracie's wearing was the only thing she wanted for a souvenier and we bought it from a cute little chinese woman who ADORED Grace?)

Remember at the pier watching the sea lions and daddy kept "barking" at them (really loud) and they finally started barking back? That was soo funny (and kinda embarrassing LOL)!

Remember when we went to the Aquarium and Jack wanted to wear his shark sweater we bought for him the day before? and remember how excited jack was to touch a bunch of sea creatures and he was teaching people around him all about the starfish and crabs and sharks? That was awesome! I was so proud of my little man.

Remember how Jack couldn't stop smiling at the aquarium? That was very cute!

Remember when it was raining really hard one day so we went to the children's museum and you guys were happy and doing things for hours on end? That was soooo fun!Remember the grounds outside our charming capitola cottage you played around in? Oh how I loved the tree outside our window that had those red berries on it! I wanted to bring it home with me.

Remember this big tree outside of our cottage that you would always climb? And the fluffy white kitty you would always play with? He was beautiful and loved you so much! That was so great!

Remember how we had enough beds for everyone but you all wanted to sleep in the same bed together? Remember Max kept falling off the bed (when he was sleeping and wouldn't even cry.. it was so crazy) so we had to get a roll-away bed so you could all still be in the same room like you wanted? That made me want to cry because you are such good friends and love each other so much!

Remember the day it was hot enough to go to the beach and swim? That was the best!

Remember Jack and Grace kept holding hands and letting the waves crash into them and they didn't care how hard they hit them because they would hold each other up? That was sweet.

Remember Jack couldn't control his enthusiasm about actually being at the beach? That was hilarious!
Remember Gracie would come over to me and just want to rest for a little bit? That was nice.
Remember how good the sand felt on our bare feet (compared to wearing boots in the snow at home)? That was wonderful!

Remember how we danced on the beach? That was special.

Remember when Max would come lay by me and give me kisses all day long (like he normally does)? that was sooo cute!

Remember how we ate out ALL the time at uber yummy restaurants and it was really nice for mommy since she didn't have to cook but it got kinda old? (and jack kept trying to be funny when i'd get my camera out... nice look jack! lol)

Remember the million other good times like
-going over the golden gate bridge
-going to church and having to park 6 blocks away... and seeing the cute girl who writes this blog but not being able to say hi cause they left early. :(
-hanging out with my friend Melissa... i can't believe i didn't take pictures of us!?!
-how daddy would make us order a couple desserts every night and we would have them bring us 5 forks or spoons and we'd dig in and share!
-how excited I felt coming home safe and sound with my family in tow!

I look forward to MANY more family vacations like this and making MANY more memories!!

a snowy story

2009-01-15T19:48:00.001-08:00

once upon a time, four little kiddies came home from school on winters day and discovered the most beautiful snow they had ever seen right in their own backyard! without question, they ran into their house and donned their winter attire wasting no time in the process! the sun was shining brightly, the air, crisp, neighborhood, quiet, and laughter, plentiful!

yes, perfect for an afternoon of tubing and frolicking in the fresh, powdery snow!

the boys started out by testing the snow... making sure it was soft and light.
after the loving mother blew up the tube, it was time for some serious sliding down the steep hill.
brave jack, at times, didn't require a tube. in fact he preferred it that way

and experimented different strategies to maneuver the intimidating slope.

little max preferred playing off on his own, doing his own thing...
like licking the snow..
and throwing it on his head.
it was a lovely afternoon. they selflessly (for the most part) took turns helping the others on the tube and gazed on as another swiftly flew down.
then, still gleeful, they grew too tired and cold to continue on.
so they went inside and found this awaiting them.
it was delicious.
and finally, what snow day would be complete without a hot chocolate mustache?

the four children were happy.

it was a very good day.

the end.

another max moment: bree freeze

2009-01-12T09:52:00.000-08:00

max was drinking a glass of milk this morning and every time he would stop for a breath i heard him whisper "bree freeze" in a kinda cool and collective sort of way. i didn't know what he was talking about so i said "what did you say?" and he said "bree freeze.. this milk is really cold!" it took me a second to realize he meant to say brain freeze (jack always says "brain freeze" when he drinks cold beverages!)! it was sooo funny! it took everything i had in me not to laugh out loud histerically!

oh, and max will only wear his underwear backwards lately because he wants to see the big picture on them. he's convinced there is a product error in the underwear industry! "why would it go in the back where no one can see the big picture?"
hmmm, he has a point!

2009-01-11T13:15:00.001-08:00

COME!

2008-12-29T16:38:00.000-08:00

Christmas posts are in the works...
i just don't know when my life will let me finish them!
i hope you all had a very
Merry Christmas!

Mad about Max

2008-12-04T16:24:00.000-08:00

My mornings usually start out the same. Max comes into my room and wakes me up with a big hug, a sweet kiss, "pets" my hair, and every morning he says "I love you" in a different exquisite way. (I should post about it every morning but I won't). Well, this morning after saying good morning and I love you, he said "mom, you are so colorful" (mind you he's been working on pronouncing his "L"s so the L sound was a little exaggerated. sooo cute!) I then said "what?" And he said "you are so colorful.... you know, like a rainbow!" It was a wonderful way to start my day!

mailing list

2008-12-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

I'm getting my 2008 Christmas card mailing list finalized.
If you would like a coveted (teehee)
DeGraff Christmas Card
make sure to email me your address!
If you think I have yours already, email it just in case!

kdegraff@gmail.com

Thanks!

ScRuMpTiOuS

2008-11-28T22:40:00.000-08:00

if i had a few of these, i think it
might motivate me to drag our tree upstairs.

which one's your favorite?

2008-11-28T22:21:00.000-08:00

go here for some lovely Christmas shopping and to donate 
to a very, VERY good cause at the same time!! 
we love you stephanie.
our thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your family. 

 

Thanksgiving 2008

2008-11-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

I thought I would make a huge list of things I'm thankful for this year on this day of Thanksgiving. I'm in awe at how quickly I thought of 100 things! They are in no particular order... whatsoever (I put crochet hooks as #1 and temples as #100 to prove it)!

1. my crochet hooks
2. Parties... of any kind
3. talented and inspiring girlfriends
4. Heavenly Father
5. my Savior, Jesus Christ
6. the Holy Ghost
7. my Shmoopie, Clay
8. Jack Dale and EVERYTHING about him
9. Grace and EVERYTHING about her
10. Maxwell Dennis and EVERYTHING about him
11. my Mom
12. my Dad
13. blogs
14. online shopping
15. my sewing machine
16. my house
17. my kitchen aid
18. my beehives
19. the Utah Jazz
20. Tish, my hair stylist
21. Heather, my masseuse
22. good tv shows
23. my tv
24. my dvr
25. my brothers and sisters
26. doctors
27. facebook
28. gmail
29. the sun
30. clouds
31. Thanksgiving dinner
32. my children's schools and teachers
33. my imagination
34. my creativity
35. mountains
36. my ridiculously stuffed tummy, fridge, cupboards, and pantry
37. my dentist
38. President Monson
39. that Stephanie is doing better
40. pureology
41. flowers
42. my extended family
43. good books
44. good magazines
45. my volvo
46. digital camers
47. my pictures
48. Missionaries
49. my Marriage
50. my ancestors
51. Martha, Ina, and Nigella
52. my smile
53. hip and humble, anthropologie, nordstrom, dear lizzies, j. crew, tj maxx, corn wagon quilt shop, american quilting, roberts, target, children's hour, border's books, soel boutique, the flower shop, gap, mini boden, thanksgiving point, evan's country store, all tucked in, urban outfitters, naartjie, trendy tots, ebay, costco, body works, the land of nod, etsy, pebbles in my pocket... i could go on but i won't.
54. the beehive bazaar
55. crayons, markers, and all artsy things for the kiddies
56. that the elections are over
57. that i've had a head cold and an ear infection the past week (and not some life threatning cancer) to help me not take my healthy body for granted
58. my closet stocked with cute clothes and shoes
59. good music/ talented musicians and artists
60. my ipod
61. my vacuum
62. great in-laws
63. my computer
64. Clay's ability and work ethic to provide such a great life for his family
65. geneology
66. Joseph Smith
67. my pottery wheel
68. chocolate
69. my sense of security
70. mac cosmetics
71. that i get to celebrate Christmas soon!
72. spring
73. summer
74. autumn
75. winter
76. yummy restaurants
77. electricity and all other modern luxuries
78. antiques
79. soft, high thread count bed sheets on my cozy bed
80. down comforters
81. my fireplace
82. that my family is healthy and happy
83. to be a member of the true church
84. the ensign
85. good memories
86. vacations
87. pedicures
88. that Christmas party invitations are already coming in the mail
89. that i didn't have to do the dishes tonight
90. my sewing/ crafty room and everything in it
91. gold's gym
92. relief society
93. the bishopric in my ward
94. the fact that my daughter set the table today and did a great job... she made a big deal about the place cards and was adamant about the center pieces on the kiddie table precisely matching the grown up table. that's my girl!

95. my darling mismatched antique plates that i decided to use today
96. that my kiddies have such great cousins to play with and to love
97. bubble baths
98. my knowledge and wisdom
99. that you came to my blog
100. Temples

2008-11-26T10:45:00.001-08:00

A few years ago, two researchers conducted what they called the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness. They found through science what most of us know intuitively: gratitude makes people happy.

For the study, several hundred people were divided into three groups and asked to keep diaries. The first group listed the day’s events in their diaries, the second group recorded any unpleasant experiences they had during the day, and the last group made a daily list of things they were grateful for.

The researchers found that the simple act of taking time each day to count your blessings makes a person more enthusiastic, determined, optimistic, and energetic. Those who expressed gratitude experienced less depression and stress, exercised more regularly, and made more progress toward personal goals. Researchers even noted a relationship between feeling grateful and feeling loved, and they observed how gratitude inspires acts of kindness and compassion.1

Remarkable, isn’t it? All this from daily gratitude and thanksgiving.

Of course, the best way to discover the benefits of gratitude is not by observing them in an academic study but by experiencing the miracle for ourselves: When we daily count our blessings, we feel better about life, even in the midst of adversity; we garner a strength of character and largeness of soul that will help us through hard times; and we see life as basically good, despite its challenges and heartaches.

Gratitude does not need to be reserved for holidays and special events. Every day is filled with miracles and blessings. If we open our hearts and look, we’ll find reasons for gratitude and thanksgiving each day, all around us.
-Lloyd D. Newell

2008-11-16T12:59:00.001-08:00

Images of a
HAPPY LIFE

These are pictures we had taken a couple of months ago. I love how they turned out! I think photography is such an important thing in a child's (and mother's) life... to capture these fleeting times. A treasure of angelic faces and smiles. Pictures truly speak a thousand words and so this is a very important part of my record keeping. I love that after the tantrums, headaches, loss of patience, and exhaustion I can look at these pictures and be reminded of what my life is all about..... FAMILY.

A bunch of "firsts"

2008-11-12T14:41:00.001-08:00

First time it was warm enough to lay out on the deck on October 30th!
It was such a gorgeous day that we spent the afternoon on the deck reading, snacking, tanning, and, and making up stories... Gracie and Max would make up stories and Gracie was happy to do the illustrations and production (while Jack and I were happy just lounging around).
We had a wonderful time! And, yes, Maxwell is in his tighty whities... that's how warm it was!

First time we went to Gardner Village for the "Witches Night Out".
I've been wanting to go for years but never found the time! I'm glad we went! It was fun!

First season of soccer! Clay was Jack and Gracie's coach so it was really fun to be so involved! The twins started out a little unsure, but warmed up and finished the season off with a good attitude and a lot of skills (thanks daddy!)!

First time to the Hogle Zoo! Soooo fun and we went on the Perfect day! Gorgeous weather and zero crowds! If you wanna see my control freak daughter who LOVES her Zoo map, go here and look at the video! It makes me laugh.

First BYU football game! Jack and I went to a football game with my brother's inlaws (who are also good friends of mine) It was sooo FUN!!! I'm not a huge football OR BYU fan but it was a blast spending time with Jack. He was so excited and stomped and clapped and sang along with the crowd. Now he calls hot chocolate that is a little too hot "BYU hot chocolate" LOL

First ballet class! She LOVES it and is learning new things each week! When she gets home from class I ask her to show me what she learned. I can't tell you how much I love watching her! Soooo cute!

Some other Firsts-
First day of Kindergarten for Jack and Grace
First day of Pre-School for Max
Sorry no pictures... they were accidentally deleted.... :(
I need to snatch some again

Catching up!

2008-11-04T15:04:00.001-08:00

Ok, I figured out how to post pictures again!
I'm feeling quite proud of myself.
I should have had more faith in myself a long time ago... it just took some determination and patience.
Here are some happenings from the last few months... there will be more to come soon!

Anyway, brace yourself for a long, picture happy post!

This is one of many day trips and overnighters at my parents house. We love going up there! Highlights include 1. baking something yummy with grandma 2. playing basketball 3. making a clay pot, box, and "cookies" with grandpa (then receiving the final product all fired the next visit!) 4. witnessing a car accident at midnight 5. running through sprinklers
6. picking flowers from grandpa's garden (and putting them behind our ears) 7. a bee sting for max 8. wonderful, happy, patient grandparents to care for us!

The Twinners turn 5!!
We didn't have a friend party for Jack and Gracie this year. I think we'll switch off between friend parties and family parties... this year was family party and I know they had a fabulous birthday! The night before we had a bunch of family down to celebrate. We had cake and ice cream. Gracie wanted a "flower cake" and Jack wanted an "Iron Man" one. (they turned out pretty Home made looking to me, but they were thrilled so I was happy!) On their actual birthday (which was Monday, labor day...... they were born on Monday, labor day!) September 1st, we woke up and got ready and headed up to park city for lunch and some shopping! Then we made our way down to Salt Lake City and went to the Children's Museum at The Gateway. I can't remember where we went for dinner... bummer. Anyway, we got home super late and we were all ExHaUsTeD!!! What a joy Jack and Grace are in my life... they are soo different in some ways, and soo very alike in others. They compliment each other beautifully and they are so deeply loved.

This is Laura, me, and Lisa in Park City
We have had a couple of these girly overnighters that seem way too few and far between!

This is a typical afternoon on our deck this summer. Who needs a built in pool when
you have two mini baby pools and some water toys?? LOL They spent so much time
out there with each other laughing, spashing, smiling, and soaking up the sun!
I'm so glad they are such good friends!

Maxwell turns 3!
This was such a darling party and we all had a blast! Max had wanted a Superman party so I thought I would give the birthday boy his wish! We invited a few of his neighborhood friends over to help celebrate the Wonderful Day! Dear, Dear Max... You are so special!
We "totally" love you "soooo good"!

Fourth of July!!!!
We live in the best city in the world when it comes 4th! The parade is the best, the firworks are the best, and the festivities are the best! This year a few of Clay's family joined us and so did my family! We had sooo much fun! I love celebrating Independance Day! In fact, it's one of my favorite holidays (ok, let's face it... every holiday is my favorite when it comes around) There's something about celebrating with Millions of people something so sacred yet so magnificent as our freedom. I get teary eyed every year without fail... the patriotic music + American flags proudly flying at every turn + the gratitude of being a citizen of such a blessed nation + the sweet yet brave veterens waving or marching in the parades + family + friends + fireworks =
Gleeful, teary Kristen!

Clay's uncle Jay passed away this summer. He was such a good man. A very GOOD man!
We miss him dearly and love him immensely.
This is a picture of the kiddies with their cousins, Hailey and Daniel at his viewing.

Good times with the Johnson family! They came and stayed with us for a few days. We feel so blessed to have them in our lives. They are AwEsOmE friends! All of the kids got along so well! Darling children inside and out! I can't wait until we get to see them again!

A fun visit to the farm country at Thanksgiving point.

More good times with friends! Thanks for throwing this pool party Jen!

I took a trip down to Arizona to meet my baby nephews and see them be blessed! They are sooo freaking cute! Good job Dave and Amy! However, upon the return home, I felt very grateful that my twinners are not babies anymore. It's true.. as a mother you tend to forget about the struggles and challenges of having a newborn (especially two) around. Oh, the joys of twins! Keep it up you two... They grow up soo fast!

Death Cab concert at Thanksgiving Point!
These are my SwEeT concert pals!
Amy, Kirstie, me, and Anne
K, I kinda felt old there but once in a while you have to have fun and let loose after being Mommy all day. We sang and danced to our hearts content and got it out of our systems!
What's coming up next Kirstie!?!?

A cold, snowy Sunday morning with Max

2008-10-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

This morning around 6:30 Max enters my bedroom and climbs into bed with me. After laying there quietly for a few min he says

Max-mom, I totally love you.
Me- I totally love you too max, go back to sleep, ok?
Max-ok

about five minutes later
Max-you wanna see my booger?
Me-no max, go back to sleep.
Max-ok

about five minutes later-
Max-can I get my boots and coat on and go touch the snow?
Me-- no Max.

a couple minutes later
Max- i really, REALLY want to touch the snow and get my shovel

in a mix of exhaustion and laughter I get up.
as we are walking into the kitchen,
Max- do you wanna see my animals?
Me-sure!

Max zips down his zipper on his footie pajamas and pulls out a big alligator and rhino

I laugh and enjoy his show and tell. Come in the office and start typing this blog entry

still laughing I get the first line typed up and he comes in here and says

Max- mom, i need to go potty, will you help me?
Me-sure!

Max- let me take my dinosaurs and batman out first!
he then pulls nine dinosaurs and a batman toy out of his leg!
(ok, his jammies are a size 4 so a little bit roomy!)

he goes potty and I get him dressed and bundled up.

Soooo funny!

Now he's out shoveling our deck!

I LOVE THIS BOY!!!

Three free BYU football t-shirts? Yes, please.

2008-09-26T13:24:00.000-07:00

Three free BYU football t-shirts? Yes, please.

2008-09-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

2008-08-08T13:59:00.000-07:00

Currently loving:
to eat-costco pistachios
to drink-diet pepsi with cherry syrup
to hear-my kiddies in the other room playing "stage" (they are making up plays today! sooo funny!) and adele
to watch-burn notice
to wear-skirts and aprons
to read-breaking dawn
prepping my twinners for kindergarten!

I LOVE this!

2008-07-18T22:30:00.001-07:00

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
~ Mark Twain

Help!

2008-06-26T21:31:00.000-07:00

Does anyone out there know why I can't post pictures now?
The entire bar is missing from the "publish post" page.

I can't even center this post!
Or make the letters larger....
But I can change the fonts!?

Someone help this poor, lost, clueless blogger!Publish Post

one of these things is not like the other...

2008-06-04T19:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight we learned:
Clay can roll his tongue
Kristen can roll her tongue
Jack can roll his tongue
Max can roll his tongue
Gracie can not roll her tongue....and it's driving her CRAZY!

Good Times!

2008-05-24T22:00:00.001-07:00

Girls Trip- St. George/ Vegas
No Hubbys or kiddies!
We were either laughing, shopping, eating, or laying by the
pool the entire time (I didn't gamble a penny! Are you proud?)!
It was soooo fun!

Mom's Birthday!

Another Vegas trip...This time with my little family and my Mom and Dad!
The Kiddies had a blast...Highlights-sleeping in beds that weren't their own,
the Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay (I didn't think Jack would EVER be ready to leave! He LOVE LOVED it!), Playing in this amazing playground at the Timesquare Mall, Eating out (they always wanted to eat at Ihop!?!)

Singing in the rain! Finally using our Easter umbrellas! *notice gracie skipping behind Max! She LOVES her umbrella!

Family Night...Planting seeds of Faith!

A day of Painting! Why don't we do this more often? It's so dang fun!

Rainbow Preschool graduation! We will miss it so much!

My Birthday (Thirty 2)! A sweet little party at my parents, then Clay and I hit the town (Lots of fun shopping at Gateway, dinner at the Garden Restaurant then we watched the Joseph Smith movie at JSM since neither of us had seen it! Afterwards we walked around temple square and took in the beautiful sights (yes, I took that picture of the temple!)! The night concluded at a sweet, romantic Bed and Breakfast! Thanks to everyone who helped make this day the best birthday ever!

My "Bountiful Girls" Birthday dinner at Cheesecake Factory!
I love you guys!

Bunko/Potluck Night at the Whalens! What a party!
I got the lowest score prize! AWESOME!

Project!

2008-05-13T20:33:00.001-07:00

I've been completely & utterly inspired!
A summer quilt is in the works!
I'm sooo excited I had to blog about it!
I'll post a picture when it's done...
It might take a long while though since it's
like nothing I've ever done before.
I can't wait to sit on our deck with it,
drink fresh lemonade,
and watch the sunset!
Did I mention I'm excited!
A New Quilt+Summer= Heaven

Mothers Day 2008

2008-05-11T22:07:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day!

Another mothers day! Another day of me in awe at the blessed joy it is to be a mother...my children are such jewels! If you know me well, you will hear me complain and vent about the kiddies and the time they take from me, the effort I put into every tiny detail relating to them, the seemingly endless frustration I feel at the end of most days, and you'll find me yearning for easier, less hectic days.... My children eek out every last ounce of energy and patience almost daily but I am growing in ways that I didn't know were possible. Lately I feel I am somewhat savoring the joys of the harvest...the fruit of my labors of the past few years. Today I felt utterly spoiled at the blessings that have been poured out on myself and my family. I have felt lately that I really MUST find pleasure in every little stage of motherhood. Time truly does fly and Jack, Grace, and Max are changing right before my eyes!

Every Night after we read the scriptures we kneel down as a family and say family prayer. Before Clay or I say a prayer, we will ask who wants to say a prayer. Usually they will all want to say their own wonderful, little, heartfelt prayer. Each is unique and they are grateful for different things that day and then ask for different, special blessings. However, they all say the same thing at the beginning. After saying "Heavenly Father," they all say "Thank you for this Blessey day." I don't know how it became a habit for them or who started it but it is in every single prayer. I love that they say this and my heart is touched every time I hear it come out of their mouths. Every day IS a blessey day. Everyday spent feeding them, cleaning them, cleaning after them, teaching them, playing and reading with them. Everyday the kiddies driving me crazy and, I, never ceasing to love and adore them, is a
VERY BLESSEY DAY!

Oh, and thanks to Clay (and the kiddies), every blessey day I get to smell like this

Yummy!

A Friday Morning

2008-04-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

Jack Dale is sick today with a fever. Sooo sad to see him in a bad mood and so lethargic!
He did, however, muster up enough energy to create a "robot dad"! Supposedly he is going to make a movie about him!

Gracie looks so grown up in this picture! This morning as we were laying in my bed I was cuddling the boys and Grace was being impatient about breakfast. I said "how about we pretend that we (Jack Max, and I) are the kids and you are the Mommy (hoping she would go get some cereal and bring it to us.....and stop whining! Besides she thrives on being in charge so I thought it was worth a shot!). She made a thoughtful expression and said shaking her head and raising her eyebrows "then I would just have to clean all day!" It was so funny.
She is being a big helper today and she even got dressed all by herself (FYI she did an amazing job... she put together an adorable outfit with leg warmers and all!!)

Maxwell Dennis is running a fever too. He's taking an early nap since he was up most of the night. This morning while I was taking my bath he came in and "read" me Peter Rabbit, one of his favorites... he pretty much has it memorized. He was so animated and sooo cute! When he was finished, he said loudly "The End!" and ran out, shutting the door behind him.

Next on the Agenda...... we are going to make a matching game with Buzz and flowers....all in one game! Brilliant! Ohhh....the joys of four year old twins!

Monday night for Family Home Evening
we popped popcorn in our living room
and watched the Jazz game!
The kiddies loved it!
As a bonus the Jazz WON! YAY!

I'm so in love with my Kiddies!

Beauty Tips

2008-04-10T21:13:00.000-07:00

"Below is a wonderful poem Audrey Hepburn wrote

when asked to share her "beauty tips."

It was read at her funeral years later."

BEAUTY TIPS

For attractive lips , speak words of kindness...

For lovely eyes , seek out the good in people.

For a slim figure , share your food with the hungry.

For beautiful hair , let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.

For poise , walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone....

People, even more than things, have to be

restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed;

never throw out anyone.

Remember, if you ever need a helping hand,

you will find one at the end of each of your arms.

As you grow older,

you will discover that you have two hands ;

one for helping yourself and

the other for helping others.

--Thanks Laura!

2008-03-26T20:26:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter Sunday! First we went to church and I found out Saturday
night that the other Beehive teacher was in the hospital so I was going to be in charge of the lesson. I decided to show the last half of "The Testaments". It was very powerful and
of course I cried the last ten minutes. That movie gets to me every time.... even though
I've seen it a dozen times, the ending touches my soul and I am reminded of how much the Savior loves me. Sacrament meeting was wonderful....great speakers and Beautiful Music!
We came home and I started dinner and we just had a nice, relaxing day! My parents came down to eat and then we had an Easter Egg Hunt, played outside for a bit soaking in the warm air, and simply enjoyed each others company!

My Favorite Easter Decor.....

The tradition continues... Jen and I made our

peanut butter eggs
that we have had every year for as long as I can remember!

Gracie watching for Grandma and Grandpa to come!

The Easter Dinner table
(our family loved these little visitors....they reminded us of this favorite book)

Gracie & Daddy .........................................................................Gracie & Daddy 5 minutes later...

Each year I like to get the Kiddies a little something for Easter.
This year I decided to get them each an umbrella!
They LOVED them and played with them ALL afternoon!
It was so cute to watch my three angels strut around with such excitement!
I hope they don't break them before the first rainfall of the season!

2008-03-23T14:29:00.001-07:00

Here are a few pictures of Summer's Easter Egg Hunt on Friday! It was so fun!
Thanks Summer! You do such a good job organizing fun events
and saying "ready, set, go"! hehe

Is it spring already?

2008-03-21T20:46:00.001-07:00

Geesh...where did this month go? Has it really been a month since my last post? I've been a really bad blogger haven't I? I've been so wrapped up in my own "personal" things that I have forgotten about keeping you *in touch* with the DeGraffs!

Easter is early this year and I'm kinda having issues with that, so we've decided to just keep things as simple as possible around here. We have spent A Lot of time outside this past week or two! Our yard is quite the wonderland for a two year old and two four year olds! As I was tucking Gracie in today she couldn't stop talking about how much she LOVED playing outside! Even little Max has turned out to be quite the adventurist climbing all over the place striving to keep up with his brother and sister!

Any day now Spring Cleaning mode will kick in but... it seems to be taking it's time this year. It just hasn't hit me yet. In fact, even my daily chores have been neglected. I mean, our house isn't completely trashed, but I can't bring myself (or the kiddies) to stay inside for more than a few minutes! In other words......
I meant to do my work today, But a brown bird sang in the apple tree, And a butterfly flitted across the field, And all the leaves were calling me. And the wind went sighing over the land, Tossing the grasses to and fro And a rainbow held out its shining hand- So what could I do but laugh and go?

by Richard Le Gallienne

Yep, This just about sums up my life the past few days! Outside or running the kiddies around the valley to their little preschools and other activities!

Tomorrow I need to get into gear and finish preparing for Easter Sunday!

Coming Soon...... Images of-

*"Spring Corners of our Home" (my cute Easter decor)

*our (Summer's) Annual Easter Egg Hunt at Rock Canyon Park!

*other Easter affair,

*and, of course, Easter at the DeGraff residence!

Bitten

2008-02-22T14:53:00.001-08:00

For some strange reason, it's hard for me to cut up my favorite fabrics...
I just want to sit and look at my stash!

Happy Valentines Day!

2008-02-14T14:46:00.000-08:00

Have a Lovely day!
I know we will!

Love Thought #4

2008-02-13T16:12:00.000-08:00

#4
A love letter.

Dear Old Man Winter,
I feel like we haven't been getting along too well as of late. I feel like I should offer an apology and let you know that I am actually quite fond of you.

Without you, I couldn't

*go skiing in a couple of weeks
*build a snowman with my kiddies tomorrow
*drink hot chocolate
*take long bubble baths (they just aren't the same without you)
*look out my windows and see a pure white wonderland
*build a fire in the fireplace and sit and watch the flames dance
*drive a snowmobile
*wear my favorite sweaters, coats, uggs, soft cozy socks, scarfs and hats
*appreciate my four wheel drive Land Rover & snow tires
*spend all day indoors and feel good about it
*make "snow jello"
*go tubing at Rock Canyon Park
*let my awesome neighbors do us the service of clearing our driveway
*see the temple from our deck (in the summer the trees block our view)
*cuddle under our cozy blankets and watch t.v. or movies with my family
*see my breath outside
*watch as kiddies sit on the heater and put a quilt on top of them, and recall the days I did the same in my own childhood
*let my body get flabby since I can hide it with jeans and sweaters
*have snowball fights
*hear Gracie say "look at the snow...it has sparkles on it!"

*see deer and deer tracks in the snow all over our neighborhood like I did tonight

(there are about five in the very center of this picture...behind the tree.)

So you see, I do love you. You just get on my nerves sometimes but I will just keep in mind the things I love about you and we will be able to live with one another ...for a few more weeks, anyway!
Lots of love,
Kristen

I love you Gracie girl!

2008-02-12T21:00:00.001-08:00

Love Thought #3

2008-02-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

#3
The essence of the Lord's teaching is to "love thy neighbor." And when asked, "Who is my neighbour?" (Luke 10:29) Christ responded with one of the best known parables - the story of the good Samaritan.

In the tradition of the good Samaritan, so many put aside pressing concerns and surmount personal barriers or beliefs to assist a neighbor in need. Without promise of reward or compensation, without prior or pending connection, good men and women continue to help each other.

How often do we cross paths with a poor wayfarer- perhaps without even knowing it- who hangs on the positive word we share, who looks for the smile we wear, who lives by the love we emulate. The Lord, whose love is present for all who pass by, summarized with his life and teachings that "inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these, ...Ye have done it unto me." (Matthew 25:40)

Marjorie Pay Hinckley wrote in her book, "Small and Simple Things," "Each of us can ask ourselves each morning, 'What can I do to make life happier for someone today?'"

This is such an amazing way to live. Imagine if everyone thought like this and lived their lives loving their neighbors and striving to make others happy.

After all,

"What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?"
-George Elliot

Valentine Open House

2008-02-11T20:21:00.001-08:00

Been busy getting ready for this!

Email me@ kdegraff@gmail.com if you need directions!
It's going to be sooooo Awesome!!!

Love Thought #2

2008-02-11T16:05:00.001-08:00

#2
Flashback!
I took these pictures four years ago on Valentines day morning. I remember this like it was yesterday! I had just fed and bathed the twins and they were getting ready for a nap. It was a cold yucky day and I remember that I was sad that I hadn't gotten around to getting Clay a Valentines present and I REALLY didn't want to leave the house (bundle up the babies, haul them and the gynormous diaper bag around town...no thanks) to get him one. I decided to make him a special card with a bunch of pictures of his two new, adorable valentines and I! Later that day he came home and put my Valentine roses in a vase and we sat down after putting the babies down to a yummy P.F. Changs take-out dinner. I gave him his card and apologized that I didn't get him anything else. Of course he didn't care one bit! He said that the card and his family was all he could ever want! I'm sure he bought me some kind of nice gift, but I don't even remember what it was. I just remember sitting across from him eating my lettuce wraps and honey shrimp loving the much needed quiet time, alone, with my sweet Valentine. This was a Valentines day that I will never forget! I've always been able to find such joy in my little family and look forward to the many more memories we will make together!

When the voices of Children are heard on the green
And laughing is heard on the hill,
My heart is at rest within my breast
And everything else is still.
~William Blake, "Nurse's Song"

Clay, Jack, Grace, Maxwell.... I don't need anything else either. I love you!

Love Thought #1

2008-02-10T18:12:00.000-08:00

I'm celebrating
Valentines Week
with a daily
"Love Thought"!!!

#1
Everyone wants to love, and everyone wants to be loved. From our earliest years, we look for love. Some people travel far and wide in search of it, and others may not know love when they’ve found it.
In days past, children left little paper hearts or small boxes of candy on the doorsteps of friends. Sometimes the children would ring the doorbell and run. Usually they included a note that read, “I love you.”
Yet even at a young age, children seem to understand that “love is more than a paper heart. Love is of the very essence of life,” as a wise religious leader once taught. “Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. . . . Love, like faith, is a gift of God.” -Gordon B Hinkley
But love has many counterfeits. If we’re not careful, we may mistake love for one of its
impersonators. True love is never manipulative, domineering, or selfish. It doesn’t require loyalty tests or paybacks.
Real love is freely given. It liberates and empowers. It enlarges the heart and makes room for others. Love withholds judgment and is patient. Love manifests itself in kindness, respect, and compassion. Love overlooks differences and extends mercy. Love is an abundant, generous feeling that changes the way we see the world, the way we live in the world.
Those who have received genuine love, and those who have given it, know that it is truly God’s greatest gift to His children.

-This is a message from "Music and the Spoken Word" (speaking of love... I love this program and hope it continues for another 80 years!)

I Heart the Sun!

2008-02-10T17:10:00.000-08:00

What a Beautiful Day! I've missed my friend the sun as you
all know! He came today~ kissed me, and said hello!

Collective Soul

2008-02-05T14:33:00.000-08:00

All that I know is that I'm

Loving
this song!

By Collective Soul

**We like it really loud!**

The kiddies and I have been dancing to it all day!
Get down to it... you know you want to!

Just had to share!

My New Favorite Shop!

2008-02-01T21:00:00.000-08:00

Well, Anthropologie will always be my true favorite but..
I just discovered
this little beauty last week.
It has some major eye candy that I can't get enough of.
It's frilly, romantic and ALL GIRL!
Can I have one of EVERYTHING? Please?
Oh how I love this place!

You know it's January when....

2008-01-31T12:28:00.000-08:00

The kiddies and I were running errands this morning and Gracie said " Mom, Look how pretty the sky looks over there!!" I looked around and saw nothing but gray. I said "where?" and she said "way over there!" Sure enough there was a little patch of bright blue sky to the west! I laughed and then the next little while we all were talking about how gorgeous that blue was and how we can't wait until the it warms up and the whole sky will be blue and when "the flowers will not be dead". January is sometimes a difficult time for me.. such a boring, icky month. I am starting to get tired of the cold. I even wore shorts today with my Uggs. I know, pathetic! I guess the good I got out of our little conversation today was that I truly take things for granted. I need this cold, yucky weather to appreciate the warmth and beauty to come in the next few months. There certainly is a reason for having opposition in all things and this January day I contemplated this truth.

So long January... I'm glad you have come and gone!
I'm putting up our Valentine decorations today to celebrate the coming month!

YAY!

President Gordon B. Hinkley

2008-01-27T23:16:00.001-08:00

This evening our beloved Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley passed on. I don't know what to write other than I am going to miss his wise words, his testimony, his witty sense of humor, and of course his kind and gentle demeanor. What a privilege to have had such a remarkable and inspiring leader for so many years. No other Prophet has influenced my life, on a personal level, quite as much as President Hinckley. His words and example will be forever treasured in my heart and hearts and of the millions who knew and loved him. Despite the sadness I feel, I can't help but delight in the fact that he is with our loving Savior and his dear, sweet Marjorie.
I love you and will miss you deeply. Thank you for the legacy you have left with us all!

January Happenings

2008-01-27T20:41:00.000-08:00

So...we've had some serious snow around these parts.The kids are beside themselves with glee at the outdoor play land we've got going on: tubing, shoveling (oh, the shoveling) and generally rolling around in the powder. For now, and for the most part - I'm rather enjoying all the snow. It's beautiful out there! And inside is the pleasure of January nesting - we're getting in some serious couch time; drinking lots of cocoa and creating lots of little crafts here and there (grace especially, she is constantly working on some kind of elaborate project!) And then there's the baking... more than I ever thought possible. What is it about these cold, snowy, dreary days that makes me crave warm, comfort food? I love making things with the kiddies too. Baking is kind of the big event in our home lately... where we can all participate and work together to produce a yummy and delightful finished product in just a couple of hours or less. I love the warmth it provides in the kitchen and the smell of the food permeating our home all day. I mean, we can only spend so much time in the 20 and 30 degree weather.. what else is a mommy of three little ones to do?

Yummy, Yummy!

2008-01-18T06:47:00.001-08:00

Last weekend Clay and I managed to escape reality for a few hours and have a night on the town (does Orem count as a night on the town? Debatable). We wanted to try the new restaurant at that new midtown plaza on state up in Orem. It was soooo YUMMY and the atmosphere is really fun and inviting -like nothing else in Utah Valley! We ordered an appetizer and I can't remember what it was called but it was the most delectable meat I have ever had! Then we ordered pizza! To Die for! Such an amazing place! When we went (Saturday night), there was an hour wait so we went to Barnes and Noble then back in time for our name call. Just a heads up if you go this weekend.... there will be a long wait so be prepared, but it's worth it!

Pizzaria Seven Twelve
320 S. State St. #185
Orem, Ut 84058

2008-01-15T19:23:00.000-08:00

The Heatons were sweet enough to spoil me with another amazing night of screaming and cheering! The Jazz are doing so good lately!
This makes me very happy!
Playoffs?

We are so there.

Matt and Kirstie-Thanks for letting me witness the Jazz win up close and personal!
Love being with you!
This is a picture I saw on my brothers blog! Good job spotting us Dave!
Go Jazz!

Guilty Pleasures

2008-01-09T14:11:00.000-08:00

The past couple weeks I have been listening to this singer/songwriter non-stop! I just love her and I can't get enough of her music. A couple years ago I was obsessed with this song, and then I was watching this show (which I'm a little hesitant to admit that I watch. It's soo staged and cheesy!!!) and was thrilled this song was on the season 3 finale! I love it sooo much! Here you can watch and listen to my two favorite guilty pleasures at the same time! I also love this song and this song! And I always smile while singing along with this!
Enjoy!

Recipe For a Perfect Evening

2008-01-06T21:29:00.000-08:00

Step 1. Have the boys in the family go downstairs and watch a "Boy Movie"
(Our boys watched Transformers....again)

Step 2. Break out the "Cupcake Baking Kit" (very complete...quite impressed) that the little girl in the family got from Daddy for Christmas. Preheat oven and mix up a bunch of ingredients making sure to use every single, little, piece of the kit.
Every utensil and gadget needs to be tested.

Step 3. Pour cupcake mix into mini cupcake tins.
Take your time. This is a VERY important process.

Step 4. Bake cupcakes. Let cool for a little bit. Meanwhile, Take some time to decide on the color the frosting will be. Then make sure it's the perfect shade. Again, don't rush. Frost.
Then pause for a moment so Mommy can take another picture.

Step 5. Test the final product. Let the little baker be the first to take a bite!

Step 6. Let the boys know the cupcakes are ready and see how fast they can make it upstairs and down 3 cupcakes a piece. Make sure to laugh and make a big mess of everything!!

Happy New Year

2008-01-01T09:13:00.000-08:00

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

~Eleanor Roosevelt

Hope you have a dreamy year!

Love, Kristen