The Mendenhall's

Caden's Ski Day

2011-01-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

We took Caden skiing for the first time the other day. He was so stinkin cute! I was very proud of him. He actually did pretty good. Mikes mom and dad came with us. She was an excellent teacher. I normally snowboard but I decided that it would be easier on me and the baby if I skiied this time. I haven't skiied for like 14 years but it came right back. We had a really good time. After a couple hours little caden was totally done. He couldn't even stand up his legs were so tired so he and I went and hung out in the lodge while the others went on a few more runs. He was such a little trouper!

Getting off the chairlift. He was so excited to ride the charilift! He kept counting the poles the whole way up.

hangin out in the lodge.

The First Snow

2011-01-26T13:23:00.000-08:00

I found these pics the other day and I thought they were pretty cute. They were so excited the first time it snowed the played in it all afternoon.

Christmas 2010

2011-01-26T12:58:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful Christmas this year. The kids are at really fun ages. They were so excited to go to bed on Christmas eve. We spent Christmas with the Mendenhalls this year. All of Mikes family was home except Brooke and we missed her. It was crazy and a lot of fun. We were very spoiled this year. I'm so greatful to have everything that we have. We are very blessed.

Livvy and her new kitchen

Caden and his criss cross crash. Its all he talked about for like 2 months before Christmas. He was very excited.

Livvy and her new baby. I think she liked the 10 dollar baby more than the kitchen. Oh well!

I love their faces in this picture

Everyone checking out with santa brought

All the kids in their Christmas jammies

Mikes mom got all the girls these adorable matching outfits.

Pumpkin Carving and Halloween

2010-11-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was really fun. The kids are starting to get old enough to get excited about everything. Livvy was a "Caterina" cat/ ballerina and Caden was a fireman. We headed up to grandmas house in Rexburg to do our trick or treating. They both loaded up.

The pumpkin patch- freezing to death

Carving pumpkins with grandpa

The finished product

Mikes work goes all out for Halloween it is so much fun. Mike's department did Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Mike was an ompa loompa.

Boo at the Zoo

Baby Number 3!

2010-10-25T13:52:00.001-07:00

Ready or not here comes baby number three! Yes I am officially announcing (for those of you who don't already know) that baby number three is on its way. I am due May 27 so I'm only about 10 weeks. I have to admit that I'm a little nervous for 3 kids but I think I'm ready to have another little one around.

Other than that not much has been going around here I am sad that summer is officially over. But I love the fall and all the fun hollidays that are comming.

I'll try to be better at blogging and have baby updates!

4th of July

2010-07-27T13:10:00.000-07:00

For the 4th of July this year we went up to the cabin. I was a little bit sad at first because 4th of July is my favorite holiday. But it was so worth it. We had a really good time. They start out with a 4 wheeler parade. Everyone on the Island decorates their 4 wheelers. Then later they had a boat parade. Everyone decorates their boats and drives around the lake. Then they all meet up and have a big fire works show on the lake. The fireworks were my favorite part. It was absolutly gorgous sitting in the boat on the lake. You could see the refelection of the fireworks on the water. I hope we can do it again next year.

Ambre and Jasmine rode the 4 wheelers with Caden and Olivia
My cute grandma and grandpa

The boat all decorated

This fire work was kindof an accident. It blew up before it could get up in the sky so it was kindof scarry! But pretty cool looking too.

I love these girls!

2010-07-27T12:52:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I got together with my friends from high school. We had so much fun. My friend Kassie who now lives in Arizona came to visit so we got together several times during the week. This pic is at Rigby Lake. We also went to the Rexburg spray park and to Tara's beautiful new home. I am proud have in such an awesome group of friends. They are all such cute good moms. We don't get to see eachother very often but when we do its just like the old times!

Michelle, Kassie, Tara, Rachael, Me
They are probably going to kill me for putting a swimsuit picture on the blog. I don't know why they all look awesome!

Caden eating lunch

Livvy just relaxing in the tube

Happy Birthday Livvy

2010-07-27T12:27:00.000-07:00

On June 20 Livvy turned 2. I can't believe my baby is 2! She had a very happy birthday We had been camping that weekend so we came home and had a little family party. She was very spoiled with all her princess presents and dolls.
Livvy is my pride and joy. She is very shy and quiet and a very mello little girl. She doesn't hardly every cry. She is ALL girl. She has to have everything pink and sprarkley. I love her with all my heart and I'm proud to be her mom.

I was pretty proud of the cake I made her.

My birthday boy

2010-06-12T21:49:00.000-07:00

Today was Cadens 4th birthday. I can not believe he is already 4. He has been such a joy to have in our home since the day I gave birth to him. I never know what he is going to say next. He is very smart. Sometimes too smart. But our home would be very boring without him. I am very proud to say I am his mother.
We decided to spend the day in Jackson Hole to celebrate. We started off going to the aquatic center there. It was so much fun and the kids loved it. There are water slides and waterfalls and everything. Mikes parents met us up there along with his neice lauren and her friend avery. My family also came up.
Then we went to pizza hut to eat and open presents. He was very spoiled. By then the kids were both all tuckered out and they slept the whole way home. It was a nice drive.
Thanks everyone for comming all way up there to celebrate with us. It was a great day!

Livvy getting ready to go down the slide

Mikes dad comming off the slide

Caden comming off the slide upside down. I don't know how it happened but I was glad someone was there to catch him!

All his presents. Notice the awesome cake. It took me like 4 hours to make. its supposed to be spiderman

Getting sung happy birthday to. It was so funny after we were done he said Thanks guys! so cute

Opening presents he got a razor scooter. I don't think he even knows how to ride it but thats what he wanted so oh well!

Summer is comming!

2010-06-12T21:34:00.000-07:00

A few weekends ago some friends in the neighborhood got together and roasted marshmellos. It was the first time we were able to do anything outside. It was still pretty chilly but really fun. I can't wait for more to come!

Some of the neighborhood kids eating popcicles on the front step

Livvy and her new best friend Carly. They are very cute together.

Cadens gang

Easter 2010

2010-06-12T20:51:00.000-07:00

This year we spent Easter up at the cabin. We had such a good time. We are so lucky to have such a fun place to go for a quick get away!

Taylor and Laurie's Wedding

2010-05-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

On Friday March 19 my little brother got married! It was a beautiful day. I have never seen Taylor so happy and Laurie looked gorgous in her dress. It was kindof bitter sweet for me. I am really happy for him, but I guess its hard to see my little bro all grown up! I have no idea why the pics are so small you will just have to deal with it.

Comming out of the temple

Her bouqet

Grandma Rudd

My sisters and I giving speeches at the luncheon

My dad giving his speech

My mom giving her speech

Caden, the kids looked so cute livvy had a beautiful dress and caden was in a suit

Will be back someday!

2010-03-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

I have tonz of posts that I am behind on. My computer got a nasty virus and it won't even turn on so as soon as I can get Mike to work on it we will be back!

Hollidays 2009

2010-02-12T21:15:00.000-08:00

I know I am very behind on this but better late than never!

We had an awsome Thanksgiving. We spent it with the Mendenhall side. Everything was delicious and of course Mikes mom had the table set absolutly beautiful. Mikes dad even had a cute little turkey craft for the kids to do while the girls helped with dinner. We didn't get up early for the day after Thanksgiving sales but we did do a little shopping that day. It was a great weekend.

Christmas was spent with the Rudd side and everything was wonderful as well. My mom got some cute new Christmas dishes that she was very excited to show off. Usually we go to grandmas with all my cousins and have dinner and do all of our other traditions but because My brother and sisters are all getting older and married we decided just do Christmas with us. It was really nice. Although I did miss seeing my grandparents. Christmas day we got up (not too early) and opened presents. We were all very spoiled. Then we had the traditional breakfast- Orange rolls and breakfast casseroll. It was a wonderful Christmas as well.

Livvy got a doll and a stroller.

Caden got a train table with some new thomas the train sets.
My sister was mad because Santa didn't leave her the Ipod touch she wanted. But she did get it later.

We spent New Years with some friends. We decided to have a fondeu party. It was a lot of fun. Caden even made it until midnight. Poor Livvy was all tuckered out by 11:30. I am excited for this year I think its going to be a good one!

New York Trip

2009-12-02T10:16:00.000-08:00

On the first of last month I had the opportunity to go to New York. I went with Mike's sisters and mom. First of all I just have to say how greatful I am to have the best in-laws ever! I am the only sister in-law but they make sure to include me so I feel like I am just one of them. Anyway, between my parents and Mike I was able to leave the kids for 5 whole days. We went to Visit Mikes sister Megan who lives there. I had such a wonderful relaxing time, but I missed my little family so much!

Here is a little rundown of what we did (warning there is a ton of pics!)

Suzan and I at the IF airport
Meg surprised us with a stretch limo for our ride to her apartment
In the limo
Our sleeping arrangements
Lesli and I on Canal Street
Megan helping me buy my subway card
My first ride on the subway
Brooke cleaning hot chocolate off me!
Times square
Megan and I in times square
Weird hand chair in times square
Street market watermelon
After the yankee's victory parade there was mounds of paper everywhere it was crazy!
This was a real man but you couldn't even tell
Me at battery park
Battery park
Wall street
Going to church. Megan goes to church in the temple it was pretty cool
Central park
More central park

More central park
The lion king which was amazing!
Hot dog place
Packed up and headed for home
Me trying to carry my heavy luggage down the subway stairs

Thanks Meg and Joe for letting us crash your place!

Halloween 2009

2009-11-16T20:40:00.000-08:00

Halloween this year was so much fun. Caden is finally getting old enough to understand whats its all about! Melaleuca (where Mike works) has all the employees families come trick or treating and it is so much fun they have the place totally decked out. Each department has a different theme. It is really cute. Mikes department did a Jail theme.
We went up to Rexburg to do trick or treating. We started at my parents house and my mom made what she called witches brew and goblins guts. She makes it every year. Caden thought the witches brew was totally awesome

Livvy was a unicorn and she was absolutely adorable!

Caden was a doctor. He was very cute as well

For Family home evening we carved Pumpkins. We had Mikes mom and dad come over. We do this with them every year. Mikes dad can carve a pretty mean pumpkin!

The finished product

Happy 5th Anniversary!

2009-10-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

This is us a little over a year before we were married.

I am really late on the post but things have been a little crazy lately! On September 25 was Mike and I's 5th anniversary. I cannot believe we have been married for 5 years already and I really can't believe that we have 2 beautiful children together. Mike was cute! First he put roses in random places all over the house so when I woke up I had a rose on my pillow, in the fridge ect. It was very cute. Then he took me to a cabin in Island Park for the night. It was a very cute little one bedroom cabin. we had such a relaxing, good time. There was a hot tub outside and we just sat there forever enjoying the cold air, trees and beautiful stars. Very romanitc. Then later he suprised me with a beautiful ring. It has caden and livvy's birthstone on it. We stayed up latethat night and watched movies and slept in late the next morning. It was a wonderful and relaxing surprise.

I love ya babe! I hope the next 5 years are as good as the last!

Preschool

2009-09-10T20:25:00.000-07:00

Last week Caden started preschool!! It was kindof a bitter sweet moment. I came home from dropping him off and the house was so quiet and empty with just me and Liv. But it is going to be nice to have 2 whole hours 2 days a week to not have to worry about him. I just can't believe he is getting so big. I love every little minute that I get to spend with my funny little guy!

backyard campout

2009-08-29T20:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend we decided to do a little backyard campout with some of our neighbors. We brought out the dutch ovens and made some delicous food. We had chicken, potatoes and cobler for desert. YUM! Then after we hung out in the backyard for a little bit while the kids played. The people next door have a little boy and 2 little girls that caden has become best friends with. We also had our other neighbors over and they have 2 adorable little boys. So then all the kidos and the dads set up a tent and slept in the backyard. Caden only lasted about 45 min. but its the thought that counts right! We are so excited to have such fun neighbors that we can be friends with and do fun things. Thanks walters and Allens!!

Mike's graduation and the big 25!

2009-07-27T12:18:00.000-07:00

We have had a crazy couple of days. Mike graduated from college on thursday. We are so excited that he is finally done! It only took him 6 years We are so happy that he is done and we can close that chapter in our lives. I am so proud of him. Having a family, working full time and going to school full time isn't easy. He graduated the same time as his little sister Lesli and her husband Dan so it was really fun to see them all together.

Dan, Lesli and Mike

Mikes parents us and my parents

Then on Friday was my 25th birthday. I know I am getting way old. I had a great day. My parents had a little party at there house for me. I am very spoiled with all the presents I got. Mike got me a new camera! I was so excited. It is a Nikon D40. It is sooo nice. I can't wait to learn how to use it better. Thanks everyone for the wonderful day!

Then saturday we went up to the cabin. The Taylor side of my family had a little reuion up there. It was a blast. I just love spending time up there its so beautiful and relaxing!

My brother doing tricks on the wakeboard

Livvy and my cousin whitneys little quinton

Caden and aunt Tina catching crawdads

Then Sunday we went to a farwell for my cousin Ryan. We had a great weekend it was so much fun to see everyone again.

Dead Camera

2009-07-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

A few days ago we had a very tragic accident with my camera. We were at swimming lessons with Caden and I was taking some pictures of him and I turned my head for a second and my cousin Chelsi says "is he going to jump?" I look over and Caden is standing at the deep end of the pool ready to jump in. I yelled at him to get back on the stairs with his class but he just gave me a big smile and jumped right in! So I get up with Livvy in one hand and my camera in the other and run over to the pool and I was able to grab him before he sunk clear to the bottom. When I got him out and saw that he was ok I realized that my camera was sitting at the bottom of the pool.
Mike is working on it but I don't think there is much hope it was down there a pretty long time. I am pretty sad but I would rather have my camera drown than my kid! We are very glad Caden is ok and maybe I will get a new camera for my birthday (Mike hint hint)

4th of July

2009-07-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

I just love the 4th of July it is my favorite holiday. Mike proposed 5 years ago on the 4th of July. I love the parade and the cookouts and fireworks and spending time with friends and family. This year we spent most of the time with my family. My cousin Jessica blessed her baby on Sunday so I had a lot of family up and it was so good to see everyone.

Livvy and Grandma

Caden and Grandpa

Happy Birthday Caden and Livvy!!

2009-06-21T14:43:00.000-07:00

2009-05-31T14:09:00.000-07:00

For Memorial weekend we went up to the cabin. My grandparents just got done adding a new addition on to to cabin so we all went up to see it. A bunch of my cousins were there too. It was so much fun. I stole some pics from my cousin whitneys blog. Thanks whit!

The finished cabin. I wish I had a before picture because it looks totally different.

Livvy and Quinton in the tub. Lately evertime I pull out the camera livvy pulls that cheesy face.

While we were there we went to visit Mesa Falls. It has been a really long time since I have been there. I forgot how pretty it is.
My fam. Mike's sister was in town so he stayed back to be with her and her husband.

My sister Tasha, my cousin Logan, and me holding sleeping Olivia

Me and the kids

Softball

2009-05-22T20:36:00.000-07:00

My cousin and her husband started a softball team this year and since we live in Idaho Falls now they asked us to play. We are so excited. We had our first game on Monday and we won! It was a lot of fun. I played catcher and I couldn't walk for 2 days because my legs were so sore. I guess thats what I get for never working out! Mike played short stop and he did awesome. We are so excited for the rest of the season. Thanks Bran and Whit!
The team we have jerseys but the haven't come yet.
Our fan club.

Easter and House Pics

2009-04-23T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics of our new house! We are starting to get settled and we are so happy!!! We absolutly love it and the kids are doing great. Keep in mind that we are still working on things!

Mike calls this our home teacher room. Someday we will have couches in there.

Master bathroom

Master bedroom. This one is a work in progress!

Kitchen

Family room

Kids bathroom

Livvys room

Cadens room

For Easter We were in Burley. Mikes cousin came home from his mission so we went down to see him. We stayed in this awsome place. It was an old abandonded collage that someone bought and is in the process of renevating. So we stayed in a building that used to be dorms. I have to admit I was a little skeptical, but it turned out to be so nice! So we had a wonderful Easter and it was so much fun to get together with all of Mikes cousins.

All of us in our new easter clothes.

The kids on Easter morning. I think Livvy was in the middle of a yawn.

Dying Easter eggs

Me and Caden Dying Easter eggs.

A Very Bad Day and A New Tooth

2009-04-10T15:40:00.000-07:00

As some of you may know, we have been staying at my parents house for the last couple weeks because we had to be out of our apartment by the 1st of April and we aren't able to move into our house until next week. Anyway, Livvy has been super fussy while we have been here. She is won't eat and she is very hard to get to sleep. So the other day she had been having a really bad day and I hadn't been able to do anything except sit and hold her. I finally got her down for a nap so I checked on caden who was playing nicely and watching cartoons. So I decided to take a quick shower. When I got out I checked on him again and he had complete torn apart my brothers toy airplane. I felt so bad my brother has had this thing since he was 10 years old. So then I got Caden some new toys and told him please be good for a few minuites and I went o blowdry my hair. I had been out of the room for maybe 5 min when I really felt like I should go check on him again. I found him dumping his 10th bottle of fingernail polish all over the carpet, new couches, rug and coffee table. I was absolutly sick! My dad came home and we scrubbed all day and most of it actually came out but there is still a big pink spot that wouldn't come out. Thankfully my parents were very understanding. From now on I will keep fingernail polish out of reach!
That night I discovered what was wrong with Olivia she got her first tooth!

Our New Pets

2009-03-23T20:31:00.001-07:00

Mike and I have been wanting to get Caden and Livvy a pet for a long time now but we didn't know what to get them because we can't have animals in our apartment. So the other day we were at a flea market and found these little tiny turtles. The were so cute. They are about the size of an oreo cookie. So we decided to get one for Caden and another for Olivia. We found an old fish tank and bought some turtle food and put them in their new home and they seemed very happy. So the next day we were in Idaho Falls and decided to stop at petco and make sure we were doing everything right. Anyway, come to find out we needed to spend around $300 in equipment to give them everything they need. We didn't know what to do we only paid $20 for both the stupid turtles. And on top of everything else the man told us turtles that small are illeagal in the United States! In the end we bought a new tank and some other things but only spent $100 Hopefully they don't die!

Our New Home

2009-03-11T17:46:00.000-07:00

YES!!! We finally found a house! We don't get to move in for a little over a month but we are very excited. I honestly didn't think we were ever going to find something that was going to work but the way it happened I know it must have been fate. We were out with our realtor (who is my aunt) and my cousin Whitney was with us and she happened to mention her friend that was thinking about selling her house and we were in the neighborhood so we decided to go take a look. As soon as I looked at the house I new it was the one. It has everything I wanted in a house and more! She is super super clean and moving into it will be like moving into a bran new house. The neighborhood is really cute. The house has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms upstairs with an unfinished basement. And the laundry room is upstairs (which is apparently not very common because its the one out of all the houses we looked at.) So after showing our parents we felt sure it was the one so we made an offer and they accepted! I am very excited about owning our dream home but I am a little sad about leaving Rexburg. I know that sounds silly because it is only 30 min away. But you have to realize that I am a big time homebody. And I don't know anyone that lives in Idaho Falls exept my cousins. But I'm sure I will make friends and get used to it. But I am so excited about our new adventure and I know its the right thing to do and I can't wait to see what the future brings!

Livvy's Milestones

2009-03-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to do a post on how fast livvy is growing up it makes me so sad! Everyone keeps telling me she looks more like a toddler than a baby now.

Some of the things she has accomplished in the last few months are:

Sitting up on her own

Waving hi and bye

Can pick up little cherios and put them in her mouth

Screams at her brother when he takes her toys

Only wakes up once during the night (this is much better than her usual 6 or 7!)

I can put a little ponytail on the top of her head

I know that babies grow up, but does it have to be so fast!

Very Behind!

2009-02-18T14:28:00.000-08:00

So I am having a very hard time finding the time to blog. We are currently trying to find a house to buy. I didn't realize how time consuming and stressful it is. I just thought we would find a house, make an offer and then it would be ours. Not the case. I bet we have looked at 75 houses and I always find something wrong with one of them. We did find one we loved, so we made an offer and they were not willing to work with us on the price at all! At first I was very sad and depressed but now I think maybe it didn't happen for a reason and thats not the house we were ment to live in. I also didn't realize how compicated everything is. We have to deal with closing cost, and a realtor fee on top of the actual cost of the house! My poor kids have been troupers. They have been drug around the city of Idaho Falls almost everyday for the past month. They are getting very good at napping in the car.

We had a wonderful Valentines Day. I have to admit I have a wonderful husband. He spoils me so much. I didn't have time to get him anything let alone a card, so I made him one. Lame I know. And he comes home with a Nintendo DS! I was so excited. I have wanted one ever sence his niece got one for Christmas and I played this Cake game. I hope you all had a wonderful Valentines day too!

The Holidays

2009-01-07T13:55:00.000-08:00

I had to take a break from the blog for the holidays because I was so crazy busy. So this is going to be a catch up post.

For Thanksgiving we went with my family up to the cabin. We had a really good time. There was a ton of people there and the food was delicous.

Then for grandparents 50th anniversary we were in Salt Lake. We stayed at little america and Caden had a blast swimming in the pool. We also walked around temple square and looked at eh lights and then went to a jazz game. Sunday we were able to go to the Christmas spoken word on temple square which was amazing. And then we went to the brunch that Little American has on Sundays. Delicous. The whole weekend was so much fun!

Me and Caden swimming at the hotel
Mike and I at the Jazz game
Livvy at the Jazz game
Caden and Grandpa at the Jazz game
Santa Clause came to see us when we were eating brunch

For Christmas we were in Island Park again at a cabin that Mikes parents rented. We had such a wonderful time. We ate a ton of food, played games, and played in the snow. While we were there it snowed like 4 feet. We were a little nervous that we were going to get stuck there for a few more days. I think secretly we all hoped that would happen! Christmas day was awsome. Santa brought Caden a Black and Decker tool set and Olivia got a build a bear. Mike got a shotgun, and I got a new cell phone. I think overall we were pretty spoiled.

Caden and Morgan playing in the snow

Mike had a blast in all the new powder

Suzan made the christmas eve dinner table so cute! The theme was snowflakes

The cousins doing the nativity scene

All the cousins in their christmas eve pjs
Caden and Olivia in their Christmas eve pjs

Caden seeing what santa brought him for the first time

For New Years We were once again in Island Park at my family's cabin. We just hung out, played games and rode snomobiles. It was a fun, relaxing time. It was so nice to have Mike off work for 2 whole weeks! He took some much neede time off.

Caden and Olivia on the sled

Me and Caden going down the big hill

Caden thought he was pretty cool all dressed up in his snow clothes

We had a wonderful holiday season. It was nice to just hang out with family. I can't wait for it to come again next year!

Going Private

2008-11-12T16:37:00.001-08:00

So after getting a few weird comments from people I don't know I have decided to go private. I am kinda sad because I have loved finding old friends but for the sake of my kids I decided its not worth it. So anyone who wants to keep following our blog leave me your email addresses.

Happy Birthday Mikey!

2008-11-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Mike birthday. So I just want to say Happy Birthday! He turned 27 I can't believe how old he is. I think he had a pretty good day. On Sunday we celebrated with Mikes family and then yesterday we had a birthday dinner with my family. Of course his birthday dinner had to be steak and potatoes. Everything was really good. Love ya babe, I hope you had a good day!

Its tradition that when its your birthday you get to eat on the special plate.

I worked really hard on this cake but too bad it didn't taste as good as it looks!

Pumpkin Carving, Trick or Treating, and more!

2008-11-05T10:23:00.000-08:00

I love halloween. Caden was so much fun this year. He thought it was pretty cool that we let him use tools to carve pumpkins. And him and Livvy looked to cute dressed up in their costumes. Caden was a soldier and Livvy was a Lamb. We also went to a little thing that Hariman State park puts on. We do it every year with Mikes mom and dad. It is so fun. Every little cabin is decorated and you can trick or treat to each one. They also have a carnival in one and a spook alley in another one. It was definatly a busy week but we had a lot of fun!

Family Pics Cont.

2008-10-29T21:06:00.000-07:00

So here are the rest of the family pics that we had taken a few weeks ago. I know there are a lot but I just like them all so much I had to put all my favorites on.

I love her eyelashes in this one!

Isn't he cute!

Family pics

2008-09-30T19:28:00.000-07:00

I have been trying to find someone to take our family pics forever but everyone I found was asking an outragous price. So I called my ever so talented cousin Chelsi to see if she knew anyone that would do it for cheap. And she volenteered! I have to admit at first I was a little skeptical because she didn't really have too much experience but I thought I would give it a try. They turned out amazing! This picture is one of many I will post the rest when she get through with them. Thanks so much chels I truly don't know what I would do without you! You do my hair, take my family pictures, what can't you do!

Happy Anniversary!

2008-09-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Today is me and Mikes 4th anniversary! I cannot believe we have been married for four years. But it has been the best four years of my life. I honestly don't think I could have gotten anyone better for me. Anyone that knows Mike well always tells me that he is too hard to live with, but anyone that knows me well knows that I am a little eccentric so I guess we just balance eachother out in a weird way. He is very handsome but I think my favorite thing about him is his personality. No matter how mad I am at him he can always make me laugh. He is such a hard worker. He works full time and goes to school full time so that I can stay home with the kids. And he is the best father. Everyday Caden can't wait until he comes home from work. Happy anniversary I hope the next 4 years are as good as the last. Love you Babe!

Baby Tag

2008-09-24T18:00:00.000-07:00

Name and Meaning...
Caden Michael- The meaning is unknown but it is possible is means battle.
Age...
2 years 3 months
Favorite Activites...
Wrestling with dad. Mowning the lawn with grandpa. Going to the park. Going to McDonalds. Dancing. Listening to loud music in the car.
Favorite Foods...
Mac N Cheese, Cold cereal, Beef jerkey, Candy, anything junk food.
Least Favorite Foods...
He is a very picky eater and just about everything is his least favorite food.
Favorite Music...
Lately he loves the Disterbia song by Rhianna. ( I probably shouldn't let him listen to music like that!) He also likes primary songs like popcorn popping on the apricot tree, or My Two Little Hands.
Favorite Toys...
Matchbox cars, blocks, tractors.
Favorite Book...
Big word book, truck book, good night moon, Who left all these moose tracks
Favorite Item of Clothing...
Glow in the dark Jammies
What Makes Him Happy....
Going to grandma and grandpas, watching Nemo or Cars, Eating candy.
What Makes Him Sad...
Leaving grandma and grandpas, Going to bed, Daddy going to work.
I tag... Adrie Mortensen, Avery Schofeild and Hailey Benson.

Terriable twos

2008-09-20T20:55:00.000-07:00

I don't know what happened to my sweet little boy!! He has turned into a monster. I really have to control my temper. For example everytime he is doing something that he knows is naughty and I catch him he says "go away momma!" and just the other day he got out the powdered sugar and started eating it by the handfulls. You should have seen the mess! The worst thing is he has started hitting. Every time he sees someone he knows he runs up and punches them. There are times when he still has his sweet momments like when he can't go to sleep without giving me a kiss, or when his little sister is crying he gently pats her head. So if any of you have any suggestions for me, let me know!

Cabin Trip

2008-09-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

Mike and I were supposed to go to Lake Powell this last week but it didn't work out and I was really bumbed. I was really looking forward to spending a little time with Mike before he started school and I don't see him again for 3 months. So we decided to go up to the cabin for a few days instead. We had such a fun relaxing time. On Monday we had Mikes mom and dad and Lesli and Dan up for dinner. Then Tuesday we went to West Yellowstone. And Mike fished all time inbetween.

Doesn't Mike look handsome in his fishing outfit!

Mike on the big wheel. Its not very safe but its fun to ride!

We walked down to the lake and it was freezing!

Mike tried the swing and his legs were too long and he went right in the water! It was so funny!

Blessing Day!

2008-08-20T18:27:00.000-07:00

We blessed Livvy this last Sunday. It was such a great day. Mike did an amazing job. Not only did he bless her but him and his sisters sang in sacrement. Afterwards everyone came to my parents house for brunch. I want to say thanks to all our friends and family for comming!

I had so much fun dressing her. Doesn't she look pretty!

Caden got a little jelous that I was taking all the picture of Livvy. So I had to throw one in for him!

Another Crazy Weekend

2008-08-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

We had another busy weekend. I don't think we have had one weekend this whole summer where we could just do nothing! Mikes sister Michelle came up on Tuesday with Brooke's kids and her little Sage. On Thursday we went to the nature park and ate Subway sandwiches and fed the ducks. Caden thought throwing the bread in the water was the funnest thing ever. Then Friday we went out to Mendenhall's and had a bar b que. It was really fun and Caden had a blast playing with his cousins. Then Saturday all my family came up for my uncle's baby blessing so we all went to lava hot springs and went swimming all day. It was a blast! I havn't been there sence I was a kid. Then on Sunday we drove back down to Pocatello and went to the baby blessing. Marshall did a great job. And there little Ashton is so cute! Afterwards we ate lunch at the park and headed home. We had to rest all day Monday so we could catch up!

Doesn't Livvy look cute in her little swimming suit!

Happy Birthday to me!

2008-07-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

So it was my birthday on Thursday. I turned 24. I can't believe I am getting so old! My family all left me and went to Lake Mead. (I couln't go because livvy is too little.) Mikes family was also out of town. And Mike had to work all day. Livvy was being very fussy, so needless to say I was feeling a little bummed. Then Mike came home from work early and we took the kids to my grandmas for the night and he took me to dinner and a movie. We went to Hard Hat for dinner and then to the movie Hancock. It was so much fun! It has been so long since it was just me and him. So the day turned out to be really fun!

Happy Anniversary G & G Taylor

2008-07-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was my grandma and grandpa Taylor's 50th anniversary. Friday night they had an open house. We got to meet a lot of family and friends that we had never met before. It was fun. Then saturday night we went up to the gardens at the college and had pictures taken. It was so much fun to be with all my cousins and catch up. Thanks for the fun weekend grandma and grandpa. Congrats!

Here is all my cousins with Grandma and Grandpa

Caden thought he would put on a little show to make everyone smile for the pics!

SHES HERE!!!

2008-06-25T16:27:00.000-07:00

Olivia Sue Mendenhall was born on June 20. She weighed 7 pounds 10 ounces and was 20 inches long. Everything went perfectly with the delivery and we are so happy to have her here. She has been such a good baby! She eats like crazy. The first night we brought her home she only woke up once all night. I was a little nervous about having two but if she stays this good its going to be a breeze! Caden loves her too. In fact I think he might love her too much. All he wants to do is kiss her and give her big hugs.

I know I look hidious but Livvy looks cute right!

Caden loves his new baby sister!

Happy Birthday Caden!!

2008-06-13T10:28:00.000-07:00

Yesturday was Caden's 2nd birthday! I can believe how fast those 2 years went by. It kinda makes me sad to think about how fast he is growing up.

We had a little party for him at my parents house. It was so much fun. All of Mikes sisters happened to be here including Meg from New York, so they all came with their kids. I don't think I have ever seen a little boy get so many presents! He is soooo spoiled! He loved all the attention.

I also wanted to do a little pregnancy update. She is breach so unless she turns within the next week or so I am going to have to have a C-Section. The doctor tried to turn her last tuesday and let me tell you that was not fun! After all the pain and everything it didn't even work. She is a stubborn little thing! I am really kindof bumbed about the whole thing but what can you do? So if everything goes to the plan we will have a baby sometime next week!

Homecomming!

2008-06-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

Last Friday my brother got home from his mission in Japan! It was soooo good to see him again. He was so excited to see my little Caden, Whom he has never met. He didn't arrive until 10:30 at night so Caden was a little tired but he went right to him. He wasn't even scared. It is so good to have him back!

Busy Weekend

2008-05-28T14:47:00.000-07:00

We had a really fun Memorial weekend. It started off with Mike only working a half day for the first time in like ever! Then all my cousins on my Taylor side of the family came up to Rexburg. So we spent Saturday with them. Mike dad had fun taking all the kids on motorbike rides. Caden loved it! Sunday we spent the day with Mikes family. His sister Brooke was up and caden loved seeing all his cousins. Monday we had a barbeque with the Taylors. I ate way too much good food. It was so much fun seeing everyone. I hope we get to see you all again soon!

Mothers Day Weekend

2008-05-12T15:57:00.000-07:00

I had such a good weekend I thought I would tell you all about it. Saturday was a pretty nice day. A little cold still, but at least it was sunny. So Caden and I spend all day outside. We planted all of our flowers for the yard. Caden thought digging in the dirt was the funnest thing ever, but he did not like the worms. ha ha.

Then sunday I had such a wonderful mothers day. Mike treated me like a queen! Not that he doesn't always treat me good but yesturday was especially nice. While we were at church they gave the men roses to give to their wives and Mike had Caden give me mine. He was so excited and proud of himself. I was very precious. Then we went to my parents house and Mike and my dad made a delicous dinner. Then we were able to call my brother Taylor who is on a mission. It was so good to talk to him. He will be home in only 2 weeks! We are getting very excited. Then we went out to Mikes parents house for a mothers day/ birthday party for Mikes dad. It was really a great day. I hope all you moms had a wonderful day too!

Funny Little Boy

2008-04-27T12:32:00.000-07:00

The other day Mike had a very long and tiring day at work so he went up on the bed and layed down. I was down stairs making dinner and Caden was up with his dad. I didn't realize that Mike was sleeping. So Caden comes down and keeps saying ah oh! So I went up stairs to see what was going on and found that Caden had stuck winny the pooh stickers all over his sleeping dads face! I don't know how Mike slept through it but I thought I was going to die laughing!

St. George

2008-04-10T20:07:00.000-07:00

Caden and I took a little trip to St. George last week with my mom and my sister. Mike had to stay home and study for finals. We had such a good time just being out in the sun. Caden loved just being able to go out back and play in the green grass! I bought Caden a little hat while we were there and he loves it so much I don't think he has taken it off sence!

He had so much fun playing in the water!

Happy Easter!!!

2008-03-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful easter! Ours was so much fun. Saturday we came up to my parents house and dyed easter eggs with Caden. Then we went downstairs and he got to go on an easter egg hunt. (there is still too much snow outside!) It was so much fun watching how excited he got everytime he found one. Then we went bowling with the Erickson's. It was so good to see all of them again.

Then on Sunday we spent the day with Mikes family. Suzan made a delicious ham dinner. Then we had another hunt. Mikes family uses their spare change in the eggs instead of candy. I think all together we ended up with like 50 bucks!

Finally!

2008-02-21T16:58:00.000-08:00

So I decided to finally start a blog. Here is a pic of my little family. This is at Mike's younger sister's wedding. I hope you all enjoy!