Hug Ya - Luv Ya - Bye!

Good Old San Fran!!!

2010-09-13T11:07:00.001-07:00

Wow - I am a little behind --ok, a whole summer behind but I am going to try and catch up a little on some of our fun summer stuff.

James and I had the opportunity to spend a few days in San Francisco during May. James had to be there for a work conference and then I flew in at the end of his conference and meet him and we stayed through the weekend. What a great Mother's Day get away - we had such a great time. The first night we were there was my favorite part -- we went and saw "Wicked" for the first time - it was awesome! The next day we shopped all around Union Square (which is also where our hotel was located) until James was ready to drop, of course I could of kept going for days! We spent Saturday at Alcatraz - we took a boat ride over, which was beautiful just to be able to see the Golden Gate bridge and the Bay Bridge at the same time. Alcatraz was amazing, we did the recorded/self guided tour of the prison and island and it was extremely interesting, even for me(because we all know that James loves that kind of stuff). I can't imagine being an inmate or worker at that place. Later that afternoon we headed over to Pier 39 and hit the aquarium and enjoyed all the shops and great seafood. On Sunday we headed over to the Golden Gate Bridge and took a walking tour of the bridge, I think it was so much more interesting than just walking it on our own. The stories behind the building of the bridge were incredible. We also went to the Academy of Sciences Museum and saw some great exhibits and aquariums. This day ended with a delicious meal and scrumptious cheescake at the Cheesecake Factory - Happy Mother's Day to me! Our last morning we spent checking out China Town which is always an adventure, we got to splurge on an awesome checkered umbrella to save us from the sudden down pour of rain that ended up lasting about a total of 10 minutes after our purchase! All in all a great weekend with the hubby and no kids!!!

Baseball Birthday Extravaganza!

2010-06-10T10:33:00.000-07:00

The boys loved playing noodle vs waffle ball Baseball!

Baseball Cake Anyone?

Pinata Time!

The Boys lined up for a race around the bases!

Robby chose a baseball theme for his 8th Birthday Party. Mom was a little nervous for a party with 12 eight year old boys but the rain stayed away and all turned out great with of course a bit of chaos. We played a couple different games like timing the boys around the bases, a pitching competition, a sunflower seed spitting contest and of course a pinata, which I think was the boys favorite. However coming in a close second was the baseball game using a swim noodle as the bat. Happy Birthday Robby - I love you!

2010-06-10T10:23:00.000-07:00

Elli and her preschool girlfriends!

Elli and Miss Amy

Elli graduated from Miss Amy's Preschool on May 18, 2010...she had so much fun singing all of the songs they had learned throughout the year. Mom and Dad were so proud of her awesome singing, we had absolutely no trouble hearing each and every word to every song. Elli is definately "our little performer".
Congratulations Elli! Now off to Kindergarten... I can't believe it!

Elli's Fieldtrip to Layton Park

2010-06-10T10:08:00.000-07:00

Elli's last field trip this year for preschool was a trip to Layton Park to play and feed the ducks. The kids always choose the merry go round as the all time favorite thing to play on no matter how many times we go to this park...and I think there is probably a reason they don't put merry-go-rounds on new playgrounds...someone always ends up crying! Madi and Robby got to come to since they were off track. Elli went to Miss Amy's Preschool this year with our neighbor Ella and they loved it! The kids always love to feed bread to the ducks and I almost feel sorry for the poor ducks and the huge chunks of bread being chucked at their heads!

Pocatello Clogging Competition 2010

2010-06-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

Madi'sm "Coyote Ugly" outfit and overall champion trophy!

Halle and Elli showing off Halle's trophy!

We had a great time at the Idaho State Championships for clogging in April...Madi's team won Overall Champion for both of their dances and Madi did awesome! We got to stay with our awesome Poky friends and it was so fun to watch the girls dance on Friday and then hang out all day on Saturday and relax and catch up! Thanks to Steph and Lowell for the great hospitality! It is always fun and a little sad to see the old friends and neighborhood...we miss our Poky!

Easter 2010

2010-06-10T09:41:00.000-07:00

This year we celebrated Easter at the cabin with Grandma and Grandpa Gallacher and the cousins. How cool is an Easter Bunny that tracked us down even at the cabin...we each got a new Webkinz to add to our collection and a new kite and bubbles. Grandma and Grandpa sent all the kids on an Easter egg hunt and spoiled them rotten with candy and goodies. We enjoyed a great weekend of playing and listening to conference. Oh and did I mention it SNOWED... a lot!

2010-04-23T15:21:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby girl is 5 years old! When the kids turn 5, they get their first "friend birthday party"...so this was Elli's big year! She wanted to have a Princess Party - so all her friends dressed as their favorite princess and we played all Princess games including pin Cinderella in the castle, pass the glass slipper, princess dress up relay, decorated "princess picture frames" and of course ate cake!
Her cake was awesome - it was a pink purse that my neighbor made and the girls all loved it... I had a hard time when it came time to cut into the masterpiece! Elli had a great time being a Princess for a day!(who am I kidding, she thinks she's a Princess every day!)
She also got to celebrate her birthday with all the McDougal side of the family at Chuck E Cheese with her cousins, Olivia and Shelby, who also have March birthdays - what could be more fun than bad pizza, delicious cake and ice cream and all the germs...oh I mean games you could wish for!
As if 2 parties wasn't enough, we then had a party celebration with cousin Adam and all the Gallacher side of the family also - there is nothing like a whole week of parties to keep our little red head grounded!!
I can't believe she has gotten so big...she will be starting Kindergarten this summer and she keeps all of us on our toes with her crazy personality and attitude. The other morning she came in at her normal 7am to let me know that she was starving and that she needed her daily dose of oatmeal and she couldn't wait another minute (which basically explains anything in Elli's life)...so I said to her "I think you have a hole in your stomach because you are always hungry" and she responded very matter of factly, "No Mom, that is my belly button and it can't leak".
We love our little Elli!

Almost a Year!

2010-04-23T14:38:00.000-07:00

Wow - look at me , I can stand up all by myself in my crib ... good thing Dad lowered my mattress a few days ago! March 20, 2010

How cute is this little man - he is starting to look so much more like a little boy than my little baby boy. He is now 11months old and can crawl and chase all his sisters and brother with no trouble at all. I can't believe how fast time is going by - just today I was preparing dinner at the kitchen counter and Connor was hanging on my leg as usual and I thought to myself how crazy is it that this is the last little one to hang on to me as I try to cook dinner. (Now don't get me wrong - most of the time I am constantly moving him and being a little annoyed that I have a permanent attachment to my leg ... but today for those few moments it seemed like a wonderful thing. Kind of like when you peek in on your sleeping children at night and love how peaceful they look!) This little guy is so much fun to have around - even with his 2nd ear infection since easter and also a 2nd round of croup, you would never know it - he is almost always happy...especially if mom is holding him - but I might as well enjoy it while I can.

Madi at Winterfest

2010-03-04T12:56:00.000-08:00

Madi's dance company had their annual Winterfest performance on Saturday night. Madi performed 2 dances and did great...this performance always marks the beginning of the competition season. In the next 3 months we will be heading to Thanksgiving Point, Pocatello and Lagoon. Madi loves clogging and is getting better each year. She is fun to watch!

Brothers and Sisters

2010-03-04T12:47:00.000-08:00

I love it when the kids actually play together and have limited fighting. Elli loves to do her doll's hair and the other day decided that it Connor's hair needed some spiffing up...he sat quietly and let her do her thing with water dripping down his face! The kids love to build forts right now...it changes from room to room, they like to build them with Connor and then play "house" and their favorite is to convince James and I to let them sleep in them. These pictures are some they have built in the last few weeks. The greatest fun is when I try to convince them that it is time to clean them up so I can see the floor again!

Everything in the Mouth

2010-03-04T11:50:00.000-08:00

I had forgotten how much babies love to chew on everything - much like a puppy but so much easier to love... Connor puts everything in his mouth especially anything soft and then just leaves it there - it seems to be comforting to him. It makes us all laugh to see what new thing is hanging out of his mouth.
He is now 9months old- I can't believe how fast time has flown by ... he sat up by himself at almost 7months and now he has learned how to crawl -- we were doing only backwards for a few weeks but as of this week he has now figured out forward. He went and got his first professional haircut last week and he looks like a little boy more than a baby now. He has been such a good baby - yea! We are experiencing some crappy nights as of recent due to 4 top teeth all coming in at the same time - poor kid! His 2 bottom teeth came in during December and they were no big deal, but 4 at a time is a little much, even for our happy Connor! It is now time to officially start baby proofing the house!

Song of the day!

2010-03-04T11:24:00.000-08:00

As most people out there know - James and I have no singing ability but we somehow got a child who loves to sing (too young to know if there is true talent yet)... Elli will sing about anything and everything - so maybe if there is not vocal talent, there may be "song writing" in her future. This week we have sung about almost everything that makes up a part of her day... including pigtails, oatmeal, polly pockets, barbies, Connor...you get the idea. This girl can make up a song to anything and her favorite is to sing in front of a mirror so she can add facial expressions and dance moves. Even when she is driving me crazy with her ongoing drama (which is most of the day), she can always make me laugh when she breaks out in some crazy song!

Christmas 2009

2010-01-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas - here is a little peak at our morning festivities! It is always fun to see the kids eyes light up as they open their gifts! It was especially fun to have Connor for his first Christmas ... he loved everything that he could put in his mouth. He is now 7months old, sitting up and always smiling and so fun to have around! Madi got her new desk for her room that she has been wanting for over a year - I found it at the DI and then sanded and repainted for hours and then put new handles - it turned out great! Robby was so excited for his new Wii game Super Mario Party 8 and Elli got her Princess castle. James finally got his fire pit for the back yard! For Christmas Eve - we went to Matt and Rebecca's for dinner and the took the kids up to drive aroung the Bountiful Temple where the neighbors have put pictures lit up in their front yards of the story of Christ's birth -- it was a nice reminder of the true meaning of Christmas. The kids loved taking turns reading the story as we drove by each picture!

Tubing at Soldier Hollow

2010-01-22T15:03:00.000-08:00

Tubing at Soldier Hollow is always a good time! We haven't been in a couple of years and the kids had a blast - after the first run they all said "that was awesome"! Our neighbors, the Schenks went with us and we had a great weekend at the cabin. The trip was cut a day short due to an early storm that was quite fun to navigate through on the way home (white out until we passed Park City - with nervous Grandpa behind us - calling to see if we should turn around, because that would be fun to drive back through the whiteout!) But very happy to have Grandpa with us since he stayed at the cabin with Connor while the rest of us went tubing!

Halloween '09

2009-11-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

A vampire, a Jedi, a ballerina and a pumpkin, oh my!

Connor's Blessing Day

2009-11-22T14:26:00.000-08:00

Ok - so I have to back track a little bit - Connor, one day your mom will be up to date on this whole journaling/blogging thing...but until then we do what we can.

Connor Briggs McDougal was blessed by his Dad on August 2, 2009. It was a beautiful Sunday morning and Connor was surrounded by his Grandpas and uncles. It was a beautiful blessing, one of the things from the blessing that stood out to me (and made me laugh a little at my awesome husband) is that he blessed Connor to always be a strong example to those around him, that due to his "special traits" he would stand out to his friends and that he should work hard at making good decisions.
Connor we love you and are so glad that you are part of our crazy family - you have already brought so much joy into our lives. Your continuous smiling, giggling and awesome red hair light up our house.

Goodbye to a special Grandma

2009-09-25T16:44:00.000-07:00

When a loved one passes away it really makes you stop and think how fast time goes...it was just the other day that me and all the cousins were riding three wheelers and jumping on the tramp at Grandma Afton's house. Today was Grandma's funeral, she passed away on Monday, September 21, 2009 after a long 3 year fight that the Dr's said would be one year. It was a beautiful Fall day, the service was wonderful...cousin Ashley, myself and a close neighbor spoke. Ashley and I were asked to speak of our memories of Grandma, it was fun to look back and think of the good times we have all had...some mentioned were... Grandma's love of flowers, her cooking talent, indian corn and gourds, shopping and lunch at The Lion House with her and mom, afternoon "dinners" on the back porch, Christmas Eve gatherings with her apple pie, St George trips, lunches at Tasties and many more fun times. It was nice to be with all the cousins and catch up on each other's lives and reminisce of past times. I am worried about Grandpa being alone now after the two of them being together for the past 65 years ... I hope James and I will be so blessed to have each other for so long. We love you Grandma!

Our Crazy Elli!

2009-09-09T11:45:00.000-07:00

Why does it seem that our children that can drive us the most crazy can also make us laugh the hardest!?
The other night we went out to dinner with the kids for James' birthday and while we were sitting waiting for our food, Elli took her play cell phone out of the diaper bag and said to me..."excuse me Mom, I have to take a call." We were dying...where does she come from?

Then just this morning, I was trying to get Elli to pick up the Polly Pocket/Barbie/Littlest Pet shop explosion in three different rooms that we do at least 5 times a day (no joke). Like usual I was getting frustrated with her "slowness" and lack of focus until I sat back and just watched for a minute... I love how little kids can make anything into a game and with Elli that also always includes making up songs and singing them. How much happier I bet I would be if I made all my chores into a game ... our little ones definitely have the right idea!

Madi's !0th Birthday!

2009-08-19T07:24:00.001-07:00

Madi's Favorite Gift
How crazy is it that we now have a 10 year old - It may sound like a cliche, but where has the time gone, I can't believe that my little Madison Linda is 10years old. She is turning into a beautiful, sweet, fun "big" girl! She loves to be with her friends, loves to get Mom to take her shopping (even to "just look"), she loves playing with her new baby brother and loves to be the big sister and babysit while Mom runs to the store for a quick errand! Madison is a wonderful student and her favorite subjects are art and reading. She loves clogging and playing soccer and is doing awesome with her piano lessons even if she doesn't like to practice! Madi - Dad and I are so proud of the good girl that you are and love the laughter and happiness you bring into our family.

So for Madi's birthday this year she got to go out to ice cream with Grandma and Grandpa Gallacher, who also gave her a new beaded watch band for her watch (that we wear everyday now) and or course some new clothes for 5th grade. The next day on her actual birthday she chose to Chili's to go out to dinner with the fam and Grandma and Grandpa McDougal. Mom and Dad gave her a new ipod and more clothes and Grandma and Grandpa gave her Itunes gift cards so she can download her favorite music to her ipod. She thinks she is quite the little teeny bopper with her earphones always in her ears - we have already had to have the discussion about no earphones while we are sitting at the table with the fam!
Then of Friday night it was the "friends" party - the girls had Pizza, did some crafting with buckets, mod podge and paper. They had ice cream cake, opened presents, watched a movie and of course did a lot of running, jumping, laughing and screaming. Madi had a great 10th birthday!

Robby's Birthday

2009-08-15T08:55:00.001-07:00

Robby's "R" Birthday cake

Like father like son

For anyone out there who might read this - just bear with me in my backtracking a little - I am trying to catch up a little on my journaling.
Robby turned 7 in May and this was his year for a family party so he decided he wanted to go to Chuck e Cheese's for dinner - the kids had a great time, especially Robby and Dad - what a team! Robby is quickly learning to beat his father at video games. We did this family party before Connor was born due to the fact that Robby's birthday is only a week after Connor was born. But we saved opening presents and having cake and ice cream until his actual birthday. Robby got Star Wars - The Last Saga for the Wii, a super soaker and a basketball hoop - so far his favorite have definately been the Star Wars game and the super soaker! Robby also went with his Dad and 2 of his friends and played Laser Tag - he said it was "awesome"!
Robby's favorite things to do right now is play any type of electronic game - the Wii, the computer or his game boy. He also loves to play outside with his friends (once you can drag him away from the Wii or computer) - - it is so fun to watch them and the games they make up - it almost always involves guns or swords(what is that all about - boys can turn anything into a gun or sword!) He loves to play soccer - he and Madi attended a Soccer camp this summer and loved it - he is looking forward to soccer starting in the Fall, especially since James will be coaching his team again. Robby - You are awesome - I love your smile and your laugh - Happy Birthday!

McDougal Family Vacation 2009

2009-08-15T08:35:00.000-07:00

With the birth of 2 new babies and one more on the way very soon - we all decided to do a "staycation" this summer. We decided to have a family campout in Brad and Tammy's backyard and so some of the local fun stuff. So we started our adventure at "This is the Place" Park and had a great time. It was plenty warm with the temp in the high 90's but the kids had a great time touring the old pioneer houses and shops, riding the train, doing plenty of crafts, petting all the animals and riding the horses. We had a great picnic under the shade trees and had plenty of popsicles to keep us cooled off.
After a full day of pioneer adventures - we headed back to Uncle Brad's house for a BBQ, movie watching under the stars, marshmallow roasting and campout. The next morning we began with a big breakfast and then packed everything up and headed to Grandma's for a day of swimming. We all had a great time - the kids loved sleeping outside under the stars and being with all of their cousins!

The Latest of the McDougal Clan!

2009-07-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

8lbs 13 oz. 21 inches

Connor Briggs May 20, 2009 1:45pm

I am a little behind but that's what happens after #4 is born!

I am so glad that our little guy is here safe and sound - I was so nervous this time - but he is healthy and strong with a head full of red hair! I am not really up on my genetics lessons - but what are the chances of having 2 little red heads from non-red head parents - crazy - we just hope that he is a little bit calmer than Elli! Connor was born by c-section and all went good except having to wait around all morning to go to the hospital and then wait some more for the Docs.
The kids were so excited to come and see him - and the girls still think that he needs there constant attention. Robby likes to talk to him for a minute and give him a hug and then he is good to go do his own thing. Madi has been a great helper and loves to hold and feed him whenever she can - she has even changed a few wet diapers (won't go near the poopy ones!)
Life has definately been crazy since he was born - and it is amazing how quickly you remember the constant exhaustion of having a newborn but with each additional child you get fewer and fewer chances to nap with the baby! There were plenty of sleepless nights and many crying moments for baby and Mom, but 2 months later we are starting to feel a small bit of normal. We usually only have one night feeding now and have made some store runs with all the kids.
I would suggest to anyone out there to not do a 4 year spread between babies - we were definately in a comfort zone and have been dealt a huge dose of baby reality again! But with that said - now that he is here, we can't imagine our family without him!

Fun with the cousins

2009-05-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Before the Bissendens left for their new life in Washington - we had lots of fun hanging out with all the cousins. We were able to go to the Zoo on a beautiful sunny day and see all the animals.
We also spent the day at the movies and the park before they left. We really miss having them close (Robby especially is missing Josh at the family gatherings - too many girls) . We wish them the best of luck in their new home and hope to be able to go and visit soon!

Way to Go Madi!!

2009-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

Madi did awesome at her first clogging competition of this year in Pocatello. She got 1st place in her solo freestyle and her team also got 1st place in their team dance called "clumsy"!

She has just moved up to this new intermediate team this year and has had to work very hard to catch up with the new and more difficult steps - Way to go Madi - we are so proud of you!

It is always so fun as parents to watch your kids do something that they love and have fun doing - mom has decided that clogging has come a long ways since her clogging days many years ago - it really is a fun thing to watch!

Elli turns 4!

2009-03-24T15:34:00.000-07:00

Wow - I can't believe my baby is 4 years old - it always amazes me how fast time flies by! And lucky Elli - I believe she also got 5 different birthday celebrations. First she got to celebrate with her McDougal cousins which included celebrating cousin Shelby and Olivia's birthday. Then on the weekend of Elli's birthday - our family was in Pocatello for a dance competition for Madison. Elli thought this was great because this meant she got to spend her whole birthday weekend with her friend Halle (our awesome friends the Richards were nice enough to let us stay at their house for the weekend). We had so much fun - besides the competition, we were able to hang out with good friends and we went out for Pizza and then bowling at ISU on Saturday night to celebrate Elli's birthday - the kids had a blast (until about frame 8 and then they were done - small attention span!). Then on Sunday we went to our old ward and had a great time catching up with so many of our old friends and neighbors and then we went back to Richards and "awesome Steph" made Elli's favorite lunch of ham and potatoes and of course Birthday cake -(Thanks, Steph) and we opened presents. It was a great weekend. Then Elli got to celebrate birthday fun again on Monday with cousin Olivia when we met up with their family at good old Chuckie Cheese - the kids played for over 2 hours and loved every minute of it! Then last - she got to have a party with the Gallacher cousins - to celebrate her and cousin Adam's birthday. Sure seems like a lot of celebration for a four year old - but who's counting!
I can't believe how independent and stubborn our little Elli has become. She is very particular on the clothes that she wants to wear each day and they are usually the farthest from what mom would pick. She lately wants everything her way or no way and she is not shy about letting you know this. She has become very clingy to mommy which I don't complain too much about except when it is time to go to primary or preschool. She loves to sing and dance and can make up a song about anything and everything. She always wants to do what Madi and Robby are doing. For how darn stubborn she can be ... she can also be that cute and hilarious- she makes me laugh almost every day - I love you Elli.

Costa Rica Let Down

2009-03-06T07:59:00.000-08:00

James and I were so excited to find out that he had won a trip to Costa Rica for being one of the top salesmen for his company last year...until one month before we were supposed to go I was told by my current doctor and my old doctor that I shouldn't go due to where I am at in my pregnancy and the fact that Costa Rica is not known for it's awesome medical facilities and care. I feel a little silly admitting it but I was completely devastated - I became a professional ball baby for the next week(I like to blame this on my lovely erratic pregnancy hormones). So in the end James went to Costa Rica with his Dad and had a great time and I got the awesome privilege of spending a fun-filled week at home with my kids!(But I am not bitter!) I have decided that this baby had better be the best baby yet - good sleeper, great temperament, etc - because he owes his mama!

Ok - I am done venting - James is home now and life is back to normal chaos with 3 months left until even greater McDougal chaos!

Who wants to blog anyway?

2009-02-12T18:21:00.000-08:00

I am such a blogger slacker - regardless of being pregnant it seems like life has been crazy lately - but Madi was reading some family and friends blogs over the weekend and informed me that I needed to do a new post - so here goes!
Here are a couple of Christmas pictures (a little late - but humor me, since this is also supposed to be doubling as my family journal). Christmas was great - the kids finally got their "Wii" that they have been asking for since before last Christmas - mom finally gave in and joined the "gaming"world. I am still not sure if it was a good or bad idea. They of course love it but Robby thinks it should be a 24 hr/day event. One good thing with him is no matter what game it is - it is a whole body involvement game! Robby's fave game is Indiana Jones, Madi's is Guitar Hero and Elli's is Mario Kart - never the less, they can all kick mom and dad's butt! Christmas night this year got a little hairy with the winter blizzard that decided to hit Ogden - but Brad and Tammy let us crash at their house and after all the kids were tucked in the adults decided it would be great fun to stay up until 2am and play the Wii -- good times had by all!

In other exciting news... Congrats to James for winning a trip to Costa Rica for being in the top 30 salesman for his company this year! I was also very excited about the trip abroad until about 2 weeks ago I was told by 2 of my doctors that I should not be traveling to far off countries at this point in my pregnancy! So after about a week of crying, screaming and returning all my new capris and warm weather attire - life has gone on and now James and his Dad will be basking in the sun of Costa Rica (I am trying really hard not to be bitter)! Sometimes being pregnant really sucks - but if the baby is healthy, strong and hopefully an awesome sleeper - I will survive!

Thanks to some awesome sister-in-laws and mother-in -law, James and I were able to escape for a weekend without the kids to Salt Lake. It was great and rejuvingating - Thanks to everyone for your help!

Due to some recent events with a close friend of mine - I have to say it has put a lot of things back into perspective and I am so grateful for my many blessings of family and good health and most of all a wonderful family and incredible friends - You are all awesome and I love you!

I love Michael!

2008-12-09T15:29:00.000-08:00

You may think I am wierd but I absolutely love Michael McLean! I took Madison to the Forgotten Carols last week and I haven't been in a couple of years and it was awesome. If you have never seen the production it is definately one to take time for - it really starts the Christmas season out with the right attitude! Angie - a friend of mine in High School got me started with Michael McLean and his awesome songs got me through some pretty rough times during those high school years and even today hearing some of them will bring tears to my eyes from some good and bad memories. It was fun to explain the story to Madison behind all the different carols - we went with a bunch of the girl cousins, sister-in-laws and Grandma Ellen - it was a great night!

We love our Elli!

2008-12-09T15:21:00.001-08:00

I thought this was a fun story to share and will be fun to look back on for me - it was one of those moments that you see your kids individual personalities shine through!
To preface the story I should let you know that Thanksgiving Day was the last day for "sippies" at our house - they have been put away in a box "to save for the baby"! (Elli was a big lover of the sippy and has actually done better than I thought with them going bye-bye). We were out to dinner the other night at Panda Express and we were each reading our fortunes and Elli's fortune said "Star light, star bright your wish will come true tonight." Well a few minutes later Elli squeezed her eyes shut tight and said "Star light, star bright I wish I had my sippie!" I don't think I have laughed that hard in quite a while. "Thanks Elli for keeping life interesting!"

FYI

2008-11-17T15:10:00.000-08:00

I figure this is as good a place as any to get the word out without too much effort. The McDougal family will soon be increased by one ... yep it is true, I am pregnant and due the end of May! It has taken me awhile to actually be able to say it out loud but my waist line is definately expanding and I won't be able to just blame it on too much Halloween candy for too much longer. I still am trying to decide if we are completely insane or blessed - time will tell. I have of course been completely sick and then just last week I got bulldozed with a horrible cold but other than that things are going as to be expected.

Please forgive the Christmas background before Thanksgiving but I was goofing around trying some new ways to spruce the blog up and i figure with the time it takes me lately to accomplish anything... better sooner than never!

Halloween '08

2008-11-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

We started our Halloween Day by taking the kids to Dinosaur Park.
We met the Gallacher cousins there... the kids had a great time.

Our three little trick or treaters!

On Halloween night our ward hosted it's annual chili cook off dinner and trunk or treat. Here are some pics of the kids and their friends!

Our not so scary witch and Mithchie.(aka ... Madi and Sienna Morris)

Jojo and Miss Butterfly (aka...Teagan Morris and Elli)

Stitch, Fireman, Indiana Jones & Wizard (aka... Isaac, Seth, Robby & Cambden)

Five Things You Didn't Know About Robby...

2008-11-01T09:19:00.001-07:00

Robby is the middle child in our family and the only boy... he has an older sister and a younger sister. He is always a good sport about it and in his younger years had plenty of practice in patience as Madi would play dress up with him.

Robby rarely sits still or quiet ... even if we are just driving in the car you will eventually hear "blow up" or gun noises coming from the back seat. I am never quite sure what we are blowing up but it is hilarious to watch in the rear view mirror. "Boys will be boys!" Other random noises that are a constant in our house are whistling and a strange "woooo" noise that you just have to hear to appreciate.

Robby is a great big brother (most of the time)... he is always trying to help Elli or share something with her to make her happy and even though she is not always nice back he keeps trying ... what a trooper!

Robby is not always the tough guy he tries to portray... his bedroom is in the basement along with Madison's but Robby hates to be down there by himself. He can stall with the best of them when asked to go down and get pj's on or brush teeth until he is sure that Madi will be down there also. You've gotta love a tough guy with a tender heart!

At our recent parent/teacher conference with Robby's teacher she informed us that his math level is that of a 2nd grader at the end of the 2nd grade year. She wants him to start going into the 2nd grade class during their math time ... we'll see what happens.(if curious this math gene definately did not come from his father) Now the catch -- his teacher told us that kids that are ahead in certain academic areas usually end up being bored as they get older and tend to get into trouble. ( So the question is - do I take this converstaion as a compliment that Robby is doing well in Math or as a bit of a warning that I should be scared for him in the future?) Whatever happens it is fun to watch him count everything and he especially loves telling time and figuring out how many more minutes until something.

Robby is an awesome little boy and we love having him as part of our family ... We love you Robby!

So now you know a little about Robby. We tag Isaac, Kaitlyn and Shelby.

St George Escape

2008-11-01T07:59:00.001-07:00

Madi and Robby were off track the last 3 weeks of October and James had to head to St George for work so the rest of us decide to tag along. I will admit that by the end of 3 days with all of us in the same Hotel room - mom was a ready to come home but overall it was a great trip. James had the car most of the time so me and the kids hung out at the hotel and went swimming most of the time. The hotel had an indoor and outdoor pool so it was perfect for all times of the day. I think our kids could swim forever. Monday night we caught up with the Bain family who now live in St George and we went to a local farm that had a corn maze, hay ride, play area, steer roping, trains and petting zoo. The kids had a blast and you would think that our kids and the Bain kids were long lost friends - they had so much fun together. Thank you to the Bains for a great evening! On Tuesday we headed over to Snow Canyon and went hiking through the red rock and then went to the Sand Dunes where the kids played for about 2 hours. It was beautiful and a lot of fun ... we were happy to have awesome weather! On our way home on Wednesday we decided to stop at Cove Fort... besides the 30 degree drop in temperature since we left St George, it was really interesting (even the kids liked it). Overall... a great little vacation!

Crazy Hair Day

2008-11-01T07:41:00.000-07:00

The kids had crazy hair day at school the other day -- they had so much fun coming up with what crazy hair-do they would do that day(Madi thought about it the entire week before. Madi ended up with a side bun, a side braid and a back ponytail. Robby ended up with spikes(not many other options for brillow head) and then they both had pink highlights. Elli's hair was done just for the picture ... (aka: bed head!) The morning was crazy for me trying to get it all done before school because it is always hectic in the morning but after looking back at the pictures it was well worth the chaotic morning. The kids had so much fun and they looked great.

For the Love of Soccer

2008-10-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

Well, Soccer season is in full speed at our house. James is coaching Robby's team (The Red Fire Dragons) and is the assistant coach for Madi's team (The Silver Dophins). So since the beginning of September ... Wednesday & Thursday nights and all day Saturday are sll Soccer ...YEA!!! The kids are loving it so of course we are the supportive parents who won't be sad when October 25th rolls around. They both have been playing really well this year and it is fun to watch them learn and get a little better each game. This is Madison's first year with playing with goalies on each team - she has done it a few times but says she doesn't like it very much. I would say they both play best when they are playing "fullbacks". Here are some pics to share the joy of the season with all of you!

Can you say "Little Miss Homemaker"!

2008-09-19T14:27:00.003-07:00

Ok, so as I was looking back on the past week - I thought to myself, when did I get this old?

First I was called into Young Women's as the Beehive Adviser this past Sunday and as I have started hanging out with these awesome girls I realized that even though it seems just like the other day that I was there age - it was actually many, many days ago!

Then to make me feel even more "maternal" I decided that I was going to tackle the task of canning and freezing this fall. So off to Grandma's for some tomatoes in which I made salsa and canned tomatoes and then thanks to my nice brother in law who was in Perry I was blessed with a bushel of fresh peaches. I am so sick of blanching and peeling produce I could puke... but overall I am very excited at what I accomplished!

Also - for all you fellow BHS graduates out there -- guess who is the mia maid adviser - good old Mrs. Watts from adult roles - she is now a counselor at Bountiful. She is a great lady and great with the girls. Small world!

2008-09-19T14:27:00.001-07:00

1st Day of PreSchool For Elli

2008-09-19T14:27:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that our little Elli is starting Preschool - she was so excited. Robby and Madi went back to school in August and she has been asking everyday since when she gets to go to school. I should be said that my baby is old enough for preschool but I have to admit that I love the couple of hours of kid free time 2 days a week.

The first day of school she came home and told me that she learned hopscotch and criss-cross applesauce. Yesterday she came home and had gotten the "star" award for sharing the barbies with the other girls during play time ... these are big accomplishments for our little 3 year old! There have been no tears from Elli - she is always ready to go with her back pack on!(usually at 9am and her school doesn't start until 12:30.) We love this crazy little red head!

Yea -- Swiss Days!!

2008-09-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

Well you know that Fall is officially upon us when the annual Swiss Days Weekend occurs. James keeps commenting that summer is over and he can't believe it -- I will agree that it went so fast this year. But I am always happy to see Swiss Days upon us because it is always so fun to shop till you drop! I was able to browse all the booths with my friend Steph from Pocatello on Friday -- this was her first trip to the hallowed Midway event (she commented to her husband that she would be gone for a couple of hours only - Ha Ha - was she in for a surprise!) But she made some great purchases with my expert advise, of course! On Saturday, my sister in law and mother in law came up and we made the treck again to the booths and of course some shopping had to be done with the fam - Dad and Gayla- which included some good purchases for the new addition to the cabin. However, the newest crazy shopper to the Swiss Days Clan would have to be Madison - I have not seen her that excited for a long time - it was so funny. She has been working hard the last 2 weeks to earn 5 dollars to add to her own 5 dollars to spend at Swiss Days. She then got spoiled by Grandma and Grandpa with a little more money -- so she couldn't wait to shop the day away. She couldn't fall asleep the night before and then she was up by 7am begging me to go "right now"! (What have I created?) Grandma Gayla and Grandpa Bobby walked around with her in the afternoon after I had met up with Steph and Madi loved every minute of it and was so proud to show me all her purchases.

I always love going to Swiss Days and running into so many people that I love and may or may not have seen in a long time. It was a beautiful weekend at the cabin -- lots and lots of fun!

Here Goes...

2008-08-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have been telling myself for months now that I can be as cool as my sister-in-laws and start this whole "blog thing" so here I go at my first attempt. I love to read all of our family and friends' blogs and keep updated on their families so hopefully I can try to do the same. I also figure it will be a great way to look back and keep track of my own family craziness.

So this past Monday was our official one year anniversary in our new house in Syracuse. I always say it takes at least one year to get used to a new place and I would still say that is true. We are enjoying our neighborhood and my good friend Denise (who lives one street over) has made the transition much easier- it is always nice to see a familiar face. We have enjoyed being back near our families and the kids have made lots of new friends. I do miss our friends in Idaho but that is always the downside to moving.

We have had plenty of projects to keep us busy in the new house but with each project it make it feel more like home. We are just beginning the fun project of finishing our family room in the basement - try not to be jealous!

We have year round school here and Madi and Robby just started back last week. Madi started 4th grade and Robby started 1st. The kids are enjoying it so far and so is Mom! However, the starting of 4th grade makes Mom and Dad feel a little freaked out - when did that happen?!

James is still working for Empi selling Physical Therapy equipment and I am working about one day a week at Davis Surgical Center. James is looking forward to fall and the coaching of both Madi and Robby's soccer teams. (maybe "looking forward" is a littl bit of a stretch - but what do you do when the league calls begging for coaches)

Well I hope I can keep this up...wish me luck!

Hug Ya - Luv Ya - Bye!

2008-08-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

What more needs to be said?