2008 Restored

This is the text from 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Back to School!!!

Can you believe it, it is that time again. Only this time it is the real deal. Andre started first grade today. I swear that summer seemed like a month long. My advice is don't move mid summer if you want to do any fun summer activities. I had so much planned and here we are starting school.
I think that he is so handsome! He picked out his first day attire. I think he did a great job. Last night I asked him if he was excited. He said yea, but I am a little bit worried. I said that was normal. Andre gets really shy in new situations.All day school, I am so sad. I think the hardest part of the day will be lunch. I loved fixing his lunch and enjoying that time with him. I think that his sis is going to miss him most. She seems a little lost.We rode our bikes to school today. It was nice, not as uphill as it was last year, well until on the way home!!!

Andre and his new teacher Mrs. Theobald. She is suppose to be very good at reading.
Andre thought it was so cool he got his very own desk.
Hey that girl looks to young for first grade!!!

Kendyl park herself in the desk next to Andre. I think she is having separation issues. That or she thinks she is ready for school too. Trying to tell Kendyl that she can't do everything Andre dose is a daily task at our house. Many times I find her out side following the big kids around like she is one of them. One problem with our new house she can let herself out. Andre is not the most reliable babysitter yet! I have to lock her in while I take a shower.
Andre I hope you have a rocking school year!!!

Posted by Amanda at 2:04 PM
Monday, August 11, 2008
Happy Anniversary!!!
Yesterday was our 8th Wedding Anniversary. I wanted to post some pictures of us and I realized that we don't have very many pictures of us together. So I stole a few from other peoples blogs.

It was a pretty laid back celebration. On Saturday, I put Wes to work with moving some cabinets in our house. I had a photo shoot, so by the evening we were both tired. We managed to go out to dinner to a place I have been wanting to try in forever called Le Nonne's. The chef was amazing. He is from Italy and the food was so authentic. Thanks Shannon for watching our kids, even tough you didn't feel that great! Your the best sister ever.

Wes is the best husband in the world. I could list a million things that I love about him, but here are just a few things that I wanted to mention that I know not all husbands do that makes you so wonderful.
-I love that it is very hard for you to make a normal face in front of a camera.
-I love that when you pee on the seat, you wipe it off immediately.
-I love that when you get up in the morning for work you are extremely quiet. No matter how late I made you stay up the night before.
-I love that you make me feel sexy.
-As much as I say I hate it, I love the reality checks you give me.
-I love that you don't judge my Diet Coke addition and that you will always go get me one when I ask.
-I love that you vacuum ever Saturday morning.
-I love that you do the dinner dishes every night. You don't even complain when I don't help.
-Even though you hate cleaning out the dish washer you still do it because you know I hate it too.
-I love that when I am watching General Hospital you will ask questions about what is going on. just admit it you are a closet GH fan.
-I love that all you want is to make me happy and you honestly try everyday, I know, and I love it.
-I love your long fuse. I am sorry for shorting it!!!
-I love that our kids make you laugh.
-I love all your ideas that you have and that your mind never stops thinking.
-I love you hard work and the drive you have.
-Last but not least, I even love your stinking feet. That way I know your not perfect.
Posted by Amanda at 2:49 PM
Friday, August 08, 2008

Has it only been that long!
So last Saturday was my 10 year class reunion. It seems like a lifetime ago. I didn't think I would ever go to any of these, but I was actually excited about going.

There was like 130, or so people there, 65 of them were my former classmates. It was really a good turn out. There were people of all groups there. It was awesome. There were so many of my friends that I have not seen since we graduated, which is really sad. There were a few people there that I wanted to visit with but just didn't have a chance.
The asked me to take pictures of the night so, of course, Wes was roped into taking the group picture. He was a natural. He had all us classmates laughing. All except maybe Lindsey (Lish) and Justin Roche who were the butt of his jokes. I am pretty sure that they can take it. By the way isn't my husband hot!!! He are some of my Best friends from High School. I am sad to say that some didn't come and a few other important friends are not in the picture, but none the less, it was great to see them all. A few days later some of us got together for lunch and we talked and laughed for four hours. It was great. Some are living far away and others are so close. So we really need to get together more.

The night was great and I was so glad so many people came. There are a lot more pictures for everyone to see, but they will be put on http://bearriver1998.blogspot.com/ . So, those of you Bear River grads that are blog hopping, here is your sneak peek. The rest will be put on the Bear River blog. I tried to get everyone so I hope none of you feel left out. I know there were some who left before I got their picture. Sorry I missed talking with you and getting your photo. Give it a few days before they are up on the blog. I have to get them sent over to Emily.
See you all in another 5 years! (or maybe sooner for some of you)
Posted by Amanda at 7:34 PM

Thursday, July 31, 2008
The Tenth move in eight years!
Well,the Archibald's are on the move again. We are approaching out 8Th year of marriage and we have just moved for the 10Th time. This time we only moved about five blocks away.
I haven't posted in awhile because life has been crazy. We put an offer on a house in the end of may. It was a short sell. Which means that the house was close to foreclosing and this was the step before that happens. We got a great deal although, we have been wrapped up in paper work for 2 months. The great news is that we are finally ready to close in a week. The bad news, we were kicked out of town home two weeks ago.
We sold our town home in one day. Yea that is right, it was not even on the market a full 24 hours when we got the offer. The couple however got impatient with the wait and wanted us out. So for a week we didn't know where we was going to live finally we worked a deal with the owners that owned the house we were buying. So we were able to move in to it early. It all happen so fast.
Since this us our 10Th move, I would consider myself a pro packer, but this moved was fast. It was a little crazier then normal. With ever move it takes me longer and longer to unpack. My Friend mentioned on her blog that moving is like Child birth. I have to agree. You do forget how bad it is until you have to go trough it again.
I am usually the only one who packs that way I have an Idea of where everything is. This time there was not time for organized packing. So Wes, bless his heart pack a lot of boxes too. The problem is he can't remember anything so when I ask him where he pack something he is like ummm...... I am still finding boxes that have random stuff in them. Honey Cups should not be placed in a garbage can and just because the toaster will fit in the office supplies box doesn't mean it should go in there.
Moving is bad enough but this last weekend I also spent the days Painting. Stuff is still in boxes but I just had to get the nasty, glowing, give you headache looking at it Orange off the bathroom wall. Seriously the color was called orangeade. That should say something right there. IT IS A DRINK NOT A WALL COLOR. I also repainted Kendyl's and Andre's rooms too. All though there room colors were not as bad they still had to go.

The house is great! It is in an awesome neighborhood. We are in a cold De sac which has already been great for my kids. Our lot is a 1/3 acre and there is this cute little stream that runs on the back of our property. They yard is not finished which means a lot of work, YUCK. although there is already some mature trees on it. We found some deer dropping so I am excited to hopefully see them this fall.
I loved my Cute little Townhouse a lot. Too much in fact. I was not that excited about moving in to this house. Now that I am in it and can call it my own, I am loving it. I will miss our ward there was a lot of great friends we have made. You know how Utah is. Moving Five blocks away puts you in an completely different ward and maybe even a new stake next year. Girls we still better hang out you know who you are!!

I don't have any pictures of the house yet but I do have the fabulous orangeade bathroom.
before!!!
The Picture dose not so it justice. The glow literally came beaming into the hallway.
After!!!


The pictures are not that great. I paint the walls a gray color I think I should have gone a little darker. Anything would have been better then the color before. Well hopefully I will get to posting more pictures of the house. I have a lot of projects on my to list. There is lighting to change, more paint to be done, and some cabinet moving. One thing at a time I guess.
Posted by Amanda at 12:43 AM
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Andre Where r you?

I am having a sentimental moment right now. Andre has been gone for five days now and I am missing him like crazy! Every year my parents take all of there grandsons up to their cabin. Andre also had a sleep over at Wes' parents the night before he left for the cabin. So he has been gone for five days. He comes home today and I can't wait. The first year he went I cried like a baby when he left. This year I didn't cry but it still isn't any easier. I miss our nightly snuggle time. Andre is a great snuggler. Kendyl will get to go up when she is potty trained. I think that she is sad Andre is gone too. She will walk around the house and say "Onday oo r you". Translation, Andre where are you. She walks in his room with a lot of confusion. I think she misses him too.
Because Andre has been gone I found myself reminiscing, as corney as that sounds, about all the funny things he says and does. I thought I would get them on here so I won't forget them.

One day I was picking him up from school and he was hiding behind a tree. I said, "Andre where are you?" He jumped from behind the tree and said, "you didn't see me because I was using my ninja skills."
The other day he turns to me and said, "Mom Does Red Bull really give you wings?"
Back when I was painting Kendyl's bed I asked Andre to keep Kendyl occupied so that I could get it done. So he found Air Bud the movie on tv and thought Kendyl would love it since she is obsessed with dogs. A bit later Andre comes into the garage and tries to tell me about what was going on in the movie. He started to tell me and then the cracks in his voice came and he was trying not to cry. He said "The guy took the dog and he......pause, it is just so sad." It made me smile so much that his tender little heart was sad. I told him that is was sad but he should keep watching the movie because I bet there was a happy ending, luckily there was.


Last, but not least, one day I was feeling a little overwhelmed with all the things I need to get done. I must have been voicing my frustrations out loud because Andre said to me, "Mom I know who can help you. ME!!"
He is such a sweet, tender hearted little boy and I love it. I am glad that he is probably having a blast and not missing me at all, but I will be glad to snuggle with him when he gets home.We love you Snugs!
Posted by Amanda at 10:42 AM
Friday, July 11, 2008
4Th of July
We headed up to my parent's cabin in Island Park, ID for the Holiday! It was great. This year, it was just my family and my sister. It can get a little crazy with the whole family so it was kinda nice that is was just us. We did miss the rest of ya'all.

On the fourth, they have fireworks on the lake. They also have a boat parade with boats that people have decorated. We had great seats and it was fun to see them over the water. Andre, like every year, hated the fireworks. Kendyl loved them. I don't think she moved a muscle as she sat on Shannon's lap and stared up at them.
The weekend was also filled with sparklers, four wheeling , riding the canoes and a lot of eating. Why is it when you go on vacation, all you eat is junk! Is there some rule that says you have to take two kinds of cookies, a whole jug of red vines, and more chocolate than you can eat. Regardless of the weight gain, it was worth it. Oh, did I mention the fridge was filled with Diet Coke. I am so weak!

Here is the kids with my Sister, Shannon, at a place we call the swimming hole. It is a small four wheel ride behind our cabin. When we were younger we would come down her and swim. It is so beautiful here. It is one of my favorite places. We use to be able to ride even further along the river but they have close the trail because of bear habitat. This year, there have been sitings of a Grizzly bear and two of her cubs rooming around Elk Creek Estates (which is where my parents cabin is located.) I am sad and also relieved to say, we didn't get a chance to see them. I would have love to get a picture.
Thanks to my sister's camera I was able to get this adorable picture of Kendyl.
This is a frog that Wes caught! If Wes has learned anything from our good friend Chet, catching a frog would be it. Wes found this frog in the water and the next thing we know, he said, "Chet says you just have to go for it." Wes, like a ninja, just reached in and grabbed it. We were all a little surprised he got it in one grab. Nice job, baby!
Peaches, my sister's dog came too. Shannon rescued this dog that was going to be...well you know. Lets just say he was going to find out if all dogs go to heaven. Shannon took it in and gave it a great home. The two are like two pees in a pod. Kendyl loves this dog so much. She would follow it around. She would give it hugs and kisses. The poor dog didn't quite know what to think. No matter how cute this was, I still never EVER want to get a dog. Peaches will just have to do. Sorry Kendyl.



I found this adorable Field of flowers on our way up to the cabin and couldn't stop thinking about a great photo opp. So with much persuasion and a lot of whining from my family. They agreed to humor me. So we stopped on the way home and played around in the meadow. Ideally, I would have loved to have Kendyl in a pretty little summer dress, but since that is not really camping attire I just had to go with what was clean. It was a fun little stop.
We also decided to stop at another one of my favorite places in the IP, and that is Mesa Falls. It has been a while since we have been there and we wanted to show the kids. I don't think Andre was old enough to remember the first time he came here. It is so beautiful and you can get pretty close to the falls. I remember when I was younger they didn't even have the stairs and the walk ways. You could climb right out on the rocks! When I was young I thought it was so cool, but now that I have kids I am glad that it much safer.Even though the falls are so stunning my family seemed to get intrigued with a bug. Wes and I are quite different when it comes to nature. I can marvel at the beauty of a mountain rage or a raging river. I will say, "Wes, this is breathtaking," and he will say "yea, it looks great, lets go." Even though he doesn't get to excited about the beauty of nature, he is still great enough to get off the highways and do the scenic detours I love so much. Thanks Wes.

This was a fun little getaway. We had a great Independence Day and yes, Dad, we carried on your tradition and blared Lee Greenwood's, God bless the USA. Hope you all had a great holiday.

Posted by Amanda at 4:36 PM
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
That's not what Belly Buttons do!



Here is a funny story that I thought would make you all laugh. Lately, Kendyl has been showing interest in the potty. She has been wanting to take off her diaper and sit in the potty. There has been no tinkles just yet, but we are excited that she is learning. Well, the other day Andre was going well, number one, and Kendyl was getting ready for her bath. She was so intrigued at what Andre could do. So she grab a hold of her belly button (which by the way is an outtie, a very big outtie) and aimed it at the toilet. Then she proceed to make a psssssss sound. I just busted up laughing. I said no no that is your belly button. That is not what belly buttons do. It is, however, very funny. I can see a few years down the road, "Hey Kendyl remember when your belly button stuck out so big you thought it was the tool you need to stand to pee." Poor girl, I just hope that her outtie won't be such an outtie when she gets older.
Something that is very strange is that Andre has an outtie too. I wonder what the odds are to have two out of your two children have outtie belly buttons. I think they are adorable. I love them.

So Kendyl is now in a Big Girl Bed! She has actually be in it for about a month now, I am just behind on blogging.

Before and After

I refinished this old bed that I have been holding on to for about 2 years now and was so excited to get to this project. I have loved this bed from the moment I saw it and wanted to paint it and give to Kendyl. Well, here it is.


I have also been working on some new bedding for Andre's room. Originally, I wanted to do his new bedding in Argyle, like a preppy look. I thought it would look good with his golf and other sports stuff. I could not find anything I want to buy so I though I would just make it. The problem was I went to every fabric store in the valley and searched on line and came up with no Argyle fabric. So I had to improvise. I found some really preppy plaid and used that. I think it turned out okay, but I am not giving up hope on the Argyle. So if any of you guys find any let me know. I might try and find some old Argyle sweaters and turn them into pillows. I did use some old jerseys I found and turned them into pillows. I thought that was cool. I am also going to attempt to make Andre an upholstered head board, so I let you know how that goes.


Here are a few pictures I have been wanting to post but just haven't yet.

Peeing is not the only thing Kendyl wants to do like her brother. She also wants to dress like him too.
Posted by Amanda at 1:41 PM
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
There is a reason for everything!Just thought I would wright a little note to my brother and Tell him I love him.
My brother was in a motorcycle accident on Sunday and was Life flighted to Ogden Regional hospital. His tier blew on the Freeway going 85 miles hour. He is very much lucky to be alive. He said the last thing he remembers is him starting to loose control and trying everything he could to get control. When he realized that he couldn't, he thought this is it, and then pictured the faces of his two little boys.
He has lots of staples in his head and road rash form head to toe. They think he will need a surgery on his knee and possibly plastic surgery. For the most part he is going to heal okay.
I want to thank our Heavenly father for watching over him and not taking my big brother away from me. There was a reason that Kevin was not killed and I hope that Kevin can figure that part out. Kevin has a big heart and is the most loyal person I know. I love you big brother, thank you for always being a great big brother to me.

This picture was taking Mothers Day of 2007. Just after he bought his Harley. He loved this bike.

We are praying for you Kevin. We love you!
Posted by Amanda at 11:24 PM
Friday, June 20, 2008
Golf camp and T-ball
Summer has just began and it is filled will Golf, T-ball, and Swim Lessons.

I can't believe it is almost the end of June. The weather he in Utah just started to feel like summer. It was a very cold spring, which turned into a cold June and has put a damper on our Summer activities.Andre had golf camp last week. He had so much fun.
He was so excited, he sunk a really long putt. He was said "Mom, I got a hole in one."
Wes, of course, was not so hot on the idea of spending money on something that he could teach Andre himself. Andre is, however, in the stage of not listening when we talk and does a lot better with third party instruction. So, sorry dear. I think he doesn't realize that his Daddy is pretty good.

Nice Putt!!!One day, Andre and I were practicing in the backyard. He said, "don't try and kill it. My teacher says to just let the club do the work." Thanks Andre, it really helped my swing. I guess Andre isn't the only one who is benefiting from his camp.

This is Andre with one of his friends, Dillon. Dillon and Andre were in the same Kindergarten class and will also be in the same 1st grade class. Andre was excited to see Dillon at camp. He said, "hey dude, I didn't know you golf too." He sounded so grown up.

T-Ball Time too!
Sorry there are so many pictures. I just loved them all.

I tried really hard not to overlap Andre's activities. However summer is short and I couldn't say no. So Andre is also in T-ball. He loves it and I think that this is his favorite.
After the first three games they go to coaches pitch, which is always a riot. There are all starting to get it now though! I think it is to help get ready next year for pitching machine.

Andre has been trained to pose for a great photo op. Atta-boy.

I love how intense he looks.





Don't you love his tongue! I noticed that every time he was doing something like batting, trowing or catching his tongue was sticking out. Oh, and don't you love his ears! All the kids ears stick out of there hats. I think it is so funny.
Keeping Kendyl off the field turned into a sport itself.
Gooooo! Grasshoppers.

Posted by Amanda at 1:14 PM
Saturday, June 14, 2008
I must have gone Crazy!

Well, in an effort to become more healthy and in balance, I have decided to give up my enjoyment of the tastiest beverage on this earth.
Many of you know, I am a girl who loves her Diet Coke. I am a three generation drinker, although I think back in the day the beverage was diet TAB. A few years ago I cut back and only allowed myself one a day. Everyday around 11:30 you would know where to find me, fixing lunch and enjoying the ever so delicious taste of Diet coke. I have been know to pack my hungry kids in the car, drive to the store in a blizzard, just so I can have a Diet Coke.
I told Wes that I was going to give it up after the 5 12packs in the garage were gone (Macey's had a sale). Well, the day has come. Today when I go to fix lunch I will not have my DC. Wish me luck everyone.
I will not be giving it up completely. That would be crazy. I have allowed myself on occasion to indulge. Like at a party or occasionally when we go out to eat. So if anyone is having a get together soon let me know!!!
I will not let Diet Coke run my Lunch hour anymore!
Posted by Amanda at 9:10 AM
Friday, June 13, 2008
Playing Catch upSo I know that I have not been posting lately. I have been so busy. If you want to catch up with us go to my dear sisters site. She is so great at keeping up on her blog and I have been lacking. So I find it is just easier if I just use her blog. Thanks Shannon for loving my family so much that I can use your blog to catch everybody up. I promise I will get some new posts up but until then. Go to http://shannonrhodes.blogspot.com/ to see what we have been up to. How pathetic am I.
Posted by Amanda at 10:05 PM
Friday, May 23, 2008
Soccer 2008

It is that time again. Well, I should say, it was that time again. Andre is just wrapping up his second year in soccer. He did so great! He has improved so much this year. He seemed a little more into it. Last year, he seemed to lose interest a few minutes into the game. This year he was more aggressive and understood the concept better. He was still good old Andre though.


We really lucked out this year. Andre had Three other kids from our ward on his team and a few friends from his school class. Their coach was great. He was a good balance of competitive and just have fun. Every single kid on the team was able to score a least one goal.

I think that Andre's Favorite position is defence. They don't really play positions but we found Andre, a lot of the time, would stay back and defend. It kind of fits Andre's personality. He isn't aggressive enough to go after the ball but is very good at sitting back waiting for his action.

There was few times he got right in there and went after it. This is one of his goals. He really broke away from the crowed. I think that his asthma medicine really helped him run better this year.
Posted by Amanda at 4:03 PM
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Lights, Camera, Action
Well, Wes can add one more thing to his resume, acting.

That's right, Wes was asked to be in a commercial for Planet Fitness that will air on TV troughout Utah and Idaho. It will also be on Planet Fitness' website. I will let you all know when it is up.

Planet Fitness is a gym that is owned by the Sports Academy. There are some in Salt Lake, one in Logan and soon to be all over the Wasatch front and Idaho.
I was really surprised that he agreed to do. Wes does not like the spot light on him, but he did great. I am so excited to see it.

Don't you love his sweat band and black socks. It is all for the character. He was also in another one that is to promote the Boot Camps that the Sports Academy have. He is quite the actor. I hopefully will post the commercial soon.
Posted by Amanda at 3:23 PM
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Happy Birthday to My love!
Today is Wesley's 29th birthday. Wes is such a great Husband and an even better father. I am so happy that I have you. I love you honey, KNOW THAT! Have a happy birthday lint licker.
Posted by Amanda at 4:39 PM
Friday, April 25, 2008
Happy Half birthday Kendyl.
Okay I am a week late, but better late then never.

Kendyl is now 18 months old, which is hard to believe!
Some milestone moments:

She is now in nursery! Can I get a hallelujah? Kendyl wasn't the easiest child through church. In just through one relief society hour she managed to scratch a poor little baby, turn off the lights and disappeared. After the light thing I put her on the ground. I guess I got a little to into the lesson because I looked down and she was gone. I opened the door and she was out in the hall. Wow how did she do that. We made it! Finally we get to nursery. Kendyl does, however, cry when I leave her, but not for very long. One of these days she will get use to it, I hope!

I took Kendyl to her doctors appointment the other day. Kendyl only had to get one shot. The greatest part is that she didn't even cry. She even smiled when I gave her a high five. The girl will cry for an hour if someone accidentally knocks her over, but you stick a needle in and the girl smiles. What a kid!Kendyl is also very much into putting on clothes: her shirts, her brothers shirts, Andre's underwear, Yes, I said his underwear, yuck and what ever is lying around.
obsessed already! She is also quite interested in shoes. She loves to put on mine and walk around but she also can somehow put on her own.
She loves to draw. Which I think is pretty early. The Doctor said that they usually don't express interested until 2 1/2 or 3. So he told me to encourage it. I just hope my walls don't suffer.

Other favorites include: babies, she has her favorite, she even has to sleep with it, and any others babies that are in her sight. She is a blankie girl just like her brother. She loves to watch the Care Bears. It is pretty much the only thing she will watch. She doesn't love TV that much. She does however love to listen to music. It can instantly cheer her up. She dances to it too. It is so cute. She is a pretty good eater and never gets full of goldfish crackers, string cheese, and ice water. She loves her water on the rocks.



And finally Kendyl's hair has become a little less mulletish. I was able to stand it and not cut it off, and now the sides are starting to catch up, yeah. It is pretty curly. As most of you other moms of girls know, it is so hard to keep it looking good though tout the day. For about 20 mins it looks great. Any ideas?


Sorry there is so much to read, but I am really trying to use this as a journal and so I can remember all the fun things. It has been awhile since I updated about Kendyl so I had a lot to say. Kendyl is such a fun little girl. She has so much personality. It is a blast to watch her. Kendyl we love you. Thanks for the laughs.
Posted by Amanda at 8:57 PM
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Back in Business!
Here is my project, or projects, that I have been working on the last few months. I have finally completed my Photography blog.


http://www.embracebyamanda.blogspot.com/
About three years ago I decide to hang up my hat, I guess you could say. I still loved to take pictures but, professionally it just got to be too much. I had major burn out. Now that I have had some time off, I have found a love in photography again. I have become more inspired in children and babies, rather than the whole wedding aspect like before. So I have decided to start up my business again. I want to try to keep things small and only book so many shoots. That way I can focus more on the work I am doing and keep the most important focus on my children. I have also been hired by some photographers to be the second camera at weddings, which I love. There is not as much pressure, which allows my creative juices to flow. So here we go. If anyone is looking for some fun portraits for there children or family let me know. I would love to take them.
Check out my new blog. I hope you enjoy my work.
Posted by Amanda at 9:24 AM
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Baby Animal Days

American West Heritage Center is down the road from our house has an annual Baby Animal Days. The have all kinds of events like wagon rides, pony rides, games, treasure hunts and of course, all kinds of Baby Animals.

You can hold them and pet them. My kids however were just fine just looking at them. I knew that Andre would not want to hold them. He has never been to friendly with real animals. He told me, " I don't want to hold them, they might poop on me." I was surprise that Kendyl was not that into it. She loves animals and is very hands on, so to speak. Maybe it was because it was nap time, but she was a little afraid. She was good from a distance but up close, not so much.

What a rock star! Andre insisted on wearing this head band. It is his new favorite thing. He says to me, "Mom, do I look cool?" Of course you do, honey. The kid has his own style he loves to pick out his own clothes. I have to admit that it is a hard thing for me to allow him to do. I have control issues with his wardrobe.
We went on a treasure hunt and learned about the settlers of the Cache Valley. I love the mountains in the back ground. The are called the Wellsville's and they are beautiful. They are one of the things I missed most about living away from Utah.



Kendyl still loves horses. This was the only thing that really got her excited.

There are a lot of times that these two have the same expression. I think it is funny.
Andre loved this hatchet throwing game. I was really nervous he was going to wack himself in the head, but he was very good and stuck two of the hatchets in the wood.
I really pray this is the only time that I see him in jail. It is cute now, but will it be when he is 18?We had a great time and I only hope that it warms up...and please no more snow!!! In the past couple of weeks we have been waking up to snow on the ground. In fact, this there was a skif of it this morning. Come on, it is April! Enough already.
Posted by Amanda at 5:22 PM
Sunday, April 06, 2008

We put Andre in tennis lessons and he loves it. He has been in it for about a month now. He has really improved from last year. His teacher is great and is from Michigan, so that is cool.
He is really good with his backhand, which typically is harder to do. He is also learning to serve and can get it in most of the time. The most important thing is that he loves it.

I love that he loves it. It is something that he and I can share. When the day comes that he kicks my trash, I will be so happy. I want a family of golf and tennis loving people. I will still love them if they don't love the sports, but they might get bored on family vacations.
Kendyl loves to watch her brother. She is obsessed with balls. She points and says ball, ball. If it was up to me I would already have her a racquet too. I will give her a few more years. I am sure if she had one now, all she would do is hit her brother with it. She is quite a pest to him.
Posted by Amanda at 5:18 PM
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Easter WeekendWe had a great weekend full of egg hunts, BBQ's and great family fun.

On Saturday, we dyed eggs. Andre loved it and Kendyl got a hold of a few eggs. The cracks were a nice touch, Kendyl. Next, on to Grandma's.

The weather was actually pretty nice.


The kids loved the Egg hunt. Kendyl was old enough this year that she was able to enjoy the fun.

It's not a Rhodes Party unless there is a lot of backyard fun. There is nothing like a good old game of crack the egg.
I guess great minds think alike. Shannon and I showed up to the party in the same shirt! I got these for us last Christmas and I think I speak for both of us when I say it is one of our favorite shirts. (by the way my hair is not red I have no idea why it looks flaming red.)

I loved playing on the swings and in this sandbox all through my years at Rhodes' Casa. It is great that my kids can enjoy it too.

Kendyl spent quite some time on this bike. She would take her eggs out of her Easter Basket and put them in this basket on the bike and then she would put them back in her Easter Basket. She loved the eggs a lot and didn't even no there was candy in them yet.

Then she discovered that there was more to the eggs. Hey Kendyl, you got a little something in your teeth.

Sometimes you just don't notice how much they have changed until you look back at pictures. The one picture was taken on Easter in Michigan. Don't you love his sweet hair.

The day was complete with a little hot tub time. Grandpa loves to get in the Hot tube with his boys. I have no idea why. All they do is splash and jump, not a lot of soaking and relaxing. This time Kendyl joined them. We had to improvise with a suit that my mom had that was one of the boy's old ones. She look like just one of the boys.

On to Sunday, the kids had a fun morning with there Easter Baskets. Then we had a nice spiritual Easter egg hunt, where they found eggs and then we opened them one by one. Each egg was filled with an item that symbolized something about the story of Jesus and the Resurrection. It was nice way to get us thinking about the true meaning of Easter.
Later that day we went to Wes' parents for the third and finally egg hunt. The weather was not as nice as the day before, but at least it was not snowing like it did this week, AHHH. Spring please come.

Kendyl was a pro this time around. I think she was a lot more motivated. Now that she understood that there were treats in the eggs.We had a great weekend. Thanks to our parents who made it even more special. Even though there was a lot of activities involving Easter bunny's, baskets and egg hunts. We had a wonderful time with our family's remembering the savior. I am so grateful for the atonement and The Savior's Resurrection. I am so grateful that through him I can be with my family forever.
Hope you all had a wonderful Easter as well.
Posted by Amanda at 9:56 AM
Saturday, March 22, 2008
More from St. George......
*WARNING* there are a lot of Pictures. I hope you don't bore easily.

Here we are at the Hieroglyphs(spelling?). This is the whole Michigan Family, minus a few important members.




Coby and Corbin modeling the hieroglyphs.



This is how Andre choose to get down. Andre has never been too daring.

And this is how Corbin choose to get down.
He must be like his daddy.
I love this picture. It is an adorable shot showing the wonder of discovery.
The Stevenson's tender family moment.

Some other random shots I thought were cool. I swear the lizard is looking at me. The other pic is Coby's dad who we also got to hang out with this weekend. They are very fun people.
My, How the kids have grown!

I love her shadow in this picture


Gotta love a blue cotton clouded sky.


Both of my friends, Tiff and Bettie, are such GREAT! mothers.
It is always nice to have a little pool time in MARCH.
It is also nice to just sit back and lay on the grass. Oh! summer, come faster.

I thought these were adorable pictures of Kendyl. I love how puckered her lips are in this one.And this is what we came home too.
We did have a great time! Thanks again, Coby and Tiff. I love you all and am proud to say that I have the best friends in the whole world.
Posted by Amanda at 10:25 PM
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Family Night Bowling
Andre has been asking us to take him bowling for a while so finally we went.
We asked our good friends the Pace's to go. They are a blast we always have a blast with them.
They were all excited to be there too!

Sydney and Andre are the same age. They play really good together. Andre is however leaving Sydney hanging.

This is there adorable baby Cole. He is the calmest baby ever he never makes a peep.
Bowling with kids is a little tricky...
We had a few little escape artist...
And a few little spills.

Hey you two! you have to put money in first.
I think sometimes when you take Wendle it is like a another kid!
Here is Andre and Wendle experimenting with two balls at once.

Thanks so getting us kick out you two. Just kidding it was a great night thanks for coming you guys. Next time we will leave the kiddos at home. Loser buys ice cream.
Posted by Amanda at 11:46 AM
I am loving it! I got the new D300
Thursday, March 06, 2008
The not-so-party Birthday party

okay so I am feeling a little guilty about not throwing Andre a birthday bash. I love parties and every year I have given Andre a party. There is usually a theme. Last year it was a pirates, the year before Super hero's. We have had a planes, trains, automobile party and even a prince party. This year I totally drop the ball, Wes and I have been crazy busy. Hence the non blog updates. This year we simplified and just went to dinner with grandparents and back to the house for cake and ice cream.

Andre instead on plain Chocolate ice cream and a Jello cake with red Jello. He asked me to put strawberries on top. It looked a little strawberry shortcakeish, but what ever he wanted. So with a slightly girly cake and some ice cream it was a great night.

The toy that was the big hit. Transformers. Andre got about five of them. He loves transformers. For Christmas he got this big "bumble bee" transformer, Santa paid a pretty Pennie for it. It said it was for five years and up, but it should have said 25 year and up because even Wes struggled transforming it. We were all a little dissapointed in it. So for his birthday Andre asked for a "bumble Bee" Transformer he could do himself. The kid can sit for hours with them.
This girl loves anything that her big bother loves. She was so excited to help him and couldn't wait for them all to get opened.

We got Andre a bike! It was about time. His bike was so small and he has gotten so big. His knees practically hit his chin on the old one. He was really excited. I can't believe how big he looks on it.
So his old bike Wes found in the dumpster in Michigan. All it needed was to have the tires pumped up It was a good dumpster treasure and it worked great but this bike is a lot cooler.
Kendyl thought so too. She climbed right on with a little help from Andre. She really is not scared of much.
What would a Birthday be with out birthday Spankings from Grandpa.
Birthday Bash or not I think Andre had a great day! We love Andre.
Posted by Amanda at 7:35 PM
Happy Birthday Little Man
Saturday, February 16, 2008
My Funny Valentine
So I was very excited about my valentine present I got form Wes this year. Let me first start by saying that I was surprised to even get a present, let alone one of the funniest gifts to give you valentine. Some women get chocolates, some get flowers, I got a digital scale. The best part was that it was exactly what I wanted. Most women I think would take offence, not me I was so excited I broke it open a used it right away. Wes has always been a practical gift giver and really pays attention to things I say I want. I can count on three fingers the times he has given me flowers. I don't mind, his gifts last longer than flowers. Don't get me wrong I love getting flowers; I just know that I won't be getting them form Wes. The scale is really awesome it even calculates your body fat and water retention. The only better gift he could have given me was the new Nikon D300 camera I have been wanting but there is always my birthday wink, wink. I love it and I love you honey thanks so much!
Posted by Amanda at 3:16 PM 5 comments
Baby It’s cold outside
Gotta Read
Goooooo Chargers
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
A prayer for the less fortunate
I wasn't going to post this story because, I think that kind acts you do for others don't need to be broadcasted. However, my Dad is a great example of a true giver. I thought that it was about time he is recognized for just one great thing he did, among many others. My dad is a very giving man. He has, all my life, been a great example to me. There are so many things he does for others that go unknown. This time I thought I would share with you what a great dad I have.
For Christmas, my parents give us a generous amount of money...more than any of us deserve. This year inside our envelope was a note surrounding a another amount of money.
The note read:
"My dad (your Grandpa) always in prayer asked God to bless the less fortunate. Please take this money and find someone less fortunate this season." Then we were to share our story's on Christmas.
It was a great experience and really shows an example of what my dad does all year long, not just on Christmas.
It was so exciting to here what everyone did. It also was a great chance to teach Andre a lesson in giving. He has such a great example to look up to. Thanks Dad, for being that example.
Hope you all have a great New Year!