Forever Young

Happy Birthday Emma Lou!!

2010-05-06T21:02:00.000-07:00

Today was Emma's golden birthday - I can't believe she is six! Where does the time go? Emma had a little party with some of her friends today after school and got a lot of fun presents! We made tie dye shirts, ice cream sundaes and had birthday cake too! We all love Emma very much and hope she had a wonderful day! Love you "Little":)

Day in the Snow

2010-01-02T15:09:00.000-08:00

Snow Day!!

2009-12-08T06:07:00.000-08:00

Well this is a first for us. It snowed and the wind howled all night. We woke up to a winter wonderland!! It is beautiful and freezing. The best news though - school is canceled!

I wish I had a picture to post - my camera is not working - again!!

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T07:51:00.001-07:00

To all the dads and grandpas in our lives we wish you a very Happy Father's Day! We love you!

It finally happened!

2009-06-20T11:42:00.000-07:00

While all of Owen's friends and cousins have been loosing their teeth left and right, Owen has been patiently waiting and waiting and waiting. He is almost 7 you know. A few weeks ago he noticed one of his bottom teeth was loose! We were so excited! This morning while I was at the gym/rehab center at the hospital, Owen pulled his tooth out!! He is soooo happy! No we just have to wait for the tooth fairy to come! You've got to love the cheesy smile:)

So sad

2009-06-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

I left my camera at my brother's house last week in Mesa so the only pictures I have of Daria's first birthday are on my phone and the quality is not good. I can't wait until next week so I can get my camera! Maybe we will pretend it is her birthday again just so I can have some good pics! I guess that means we will have to make another cake too:)

Happy Birthday baby girl!

2009-06-03T07:04:00.000-07:00

Today my little baby girl is one year old! I can't believe it. It feels like just yesterday I was experiencing the worst labor and delivery of my life! But all that pain was worth it. Daria is such a blessing in our lives. She brings so much joy to our family. She lights up the room with her cute little smile and her dancing keeps us laughing for hours. I just can't get enough of her! We love you Bubbas and hope your first birthday is great!

I love it!

2009-05-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

This weekend we had a visit from our good friends the Duncan's. We had so much fun. We played at the really cool park here, went to a pancake breakfast, went to the Rodeo and went on lots of drives and hikes! I officially LOVE Eagar! We have so many beautiful places around us - Greer is probably my favorite. Greer is about 10 - 15 min. from us. We took the Duncan's up there and I could not believe how beautiful it was! I am so lucky to live in a place surrounded by so much beauty. I miss everyone in Mesa so much but I am really loving it here!

Oh by the way - Emma is officially a cowgirl! We entered Owen and Emma in the sheep riding competition at the Rodeo and Emma was a champ. She held on for 6 seconds - she was hanging on with all she had. She told us after that she just kept telling herself to be calm. Owen's sheep was a little crazy right out of the gate and he fell of quick. They offered him a retry but he wouldn't do it. Yea Emma!

Eagar

2009-05-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

So this is our new house in Eagar, Az. It is on a Golf Course but the course is bankrupt so it is dead now. The good thing about it is my kids now have the biggest backyard ever! Owen loves to ride his bmx bike all over the course. The trees are all green now so it is so pretty! We are loving the cool weather up here and the peace and quiet! Visitors welcome!!

oh the bridge and the Little Colorado River are just across the street from us and the other pic is the view from our back porch.

So you think you can dance?

2009-05-14T12:18:00.001-07:00

Here is our little dancer.

Hill's Race!

2009-03-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

You know times are hard when...

2009-02-28T20:51:00.000-08:00

your daughter sells a can of soda to the girl across the street and then comes in and says "aren't you proud of me dad?" She then gave the 50 cents to her cousin for a birthday present! Emma is so hilarious!

Cute girls!

2009-02-13T05:01:00.000-08:00

I couldn't sleep this morning and so I started going through some of my pictures and trying to organize them! Of course I had to sit and look at all the cute pictures and I found this one of Raea, Emma and Camdyn from Owen's 5th birthday party. We love our cousins!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2009-01-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

All of my family was in town over the holidays so I slacked a little on my blog! I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I am so grateful for all of my blessings. I have an amazing family and the best kids in the world! I am so lucky to be their mom. I am excited for the new year and I hope all of you have a great one!

p.s. One of my wonderful kids dropped my camera on Christmas Eve so until I get it fixed I won't be posting any new pictures! (i think posts that have pictures are always more exciting)

Happy Anniversary!!

2008-12-20T07:37:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary to my favorite couple! My mom and dad are celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary today. We are all very happy you two met and fell in love. Thank you for being such and amazing example to us all. We love you both very much and hope you have a wonderful day!

Twilight

2008-11-23T14:05:00.000-08:00

I have to say that seeing Twilight was one of the greatest moments of my life! I absolutely loved it! I went with Joe's sister Ruth, her friend Jessica, my niece Miranda and Rae. We had a blast and I don't think any of us wanted the night to end!

Annie Valentine Owen

2008-11-23T06:54:00.000-08:00

Nate and Cari had their sweet little baby girl on Thursday afternoon at 2:58. Annie weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and she is 19 inches long! She is so adorable! Cari and Annie are both doing great! Congratulations Nate and Cari we love you!!

Too cute!

2008-11-14T22:35:00.001-08:00

I've never had a baby smile and laugh so much. We love our little Daria! She is hilarious!

She did it!

2008-11-14T22:13:00.001-08:00

1.
2.
3.
4.
Daria rolled over today for her first time! Isn't she cute? I have about 50 pictures of her rolling over and laying on her tummy! I just can't get enough - I am so proud! After she rolled over a few times I just sat there taking pictures and she totally started laughing. The next post will have cute pics of her laughing - it took me long enough to figure out how to get these pictures in the correct order so I don't want to add anything else and mess it up!

Wind cave

2008-11-04T14:36:00.001-08:00

On Sunday we went with the Skinner family up the Wind Cave trail at Ussery Pass. All I have to say is what a hike! I am so proud of all the kids - they made it all the way up the mountain. It was very hot and we went in the afternoon. I also want everyone to know that Ruth is Sheera! Ruth had Herston in the baby carrier and then had to carry Ethan up on her shoulders! She is pretty tough! We have decided to start a tradition. On the first Saturday of every month we are going on a hike with the Skinners. Good times!

Did you vote today?

2008-11-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

I voted today and I am wearing my "I voted today" sticker. I am proud that I voted and I feel cool wearing my sticker but then I picked up Owen from school and he had this really cool hat! How great would it be if you got one of these hats instead of a little sticker?? Maybe voter turn out would increase!

More pictures!

2008-11-01T09:45:00.000-07:00

Trick or Treat!

2008-11-01T09:29:00.000-07:00

We had a great Halloween this year! Emma was the cutest little witch, Owen was a super cool ninja, and Daria was a sweet little pig! We started the night off at Grandma and Grandpa Young's ward party - every year they have chili and scones. Then we were off to the Owen's. Steven made his famous Philly cheese steak sandwiches so everyone in the neighborhood was there. Owen, Emma and Daria went trick or treating with Nick and Jack. We saw Ellie and Nate while we were out. The kids had so much fun! We had our 3 ninjas, a witch and a pig! Happy Halloween!

Happy Birthday Ellie!!

2008-10-22T14:21:00.000-07:00

We love you and hope you have a fantastic day and a wonderful year!

How much does your hair weigh?

2008-10-17T10:33:00.000-07:00

Today Emma was looking at my hair and she said, "Mom, my hair is longer than your hair". She then ran her fingers down the length of my hair and counted "1...2...3...4...5...6...7..." and then she did the same thing to her hair but she counted really fast "123456789 - see my hair is nine pounds." Then she asked me how much pounds my hair is. It was pretty hilarious!

California time!

2008-10-16T21:20:00.001-07:00

First day at the beach! The weather was perfect. The kids had a great time. Thanks Hilly Bill, Katie and Ellie for making it so fun for Owen and Emma! Hilly Bill is Emma's new name for Hillary.
Balboa Island with Nana and Grandpa! We have walked around Balboa so many times I can't even count but it never gets old. The first day we were in CA we made a list of everything we wanted to do and this was at the top of the list. We got to do everything on the list except get a balboa bar:(
Santa Barbara Pier. We visited Nate, Cari, Grace and Ben at their new house in Montecito. We had a blast. The kids were very sad to leave. We miss you guys!
Can you even tell Cari is pregnant and due next month??
I love this picture. One of the older girls took this on the nature walk. It just cracks me up. Kids are so cute!
I have a ton of pictures from the trip - I will have to do a California time part 2 and maybe 3 or 4! We can't wait for next summer! Thanks Nana and Grandpa and Nate and Cari for having us. We love you guys!

Can I please have some goldfish?

2008-10-16T21:12:00.000-07:00

For fall break we went on a trip to California. Grandpa bought a few snacks for the kids for the car ride home. Emma asked all day to have some goldfish but I told her she had to wait until we were driving back to Arizona - as soon as we hit the freeway she asked one more time and Hillary took a picture of the happy moment!

Belated birthday post for Owen

2008-10-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OWEN!!! My little guy turned 6 today! I can't believe it. I feel like a bad mom today. Owen woke up at 5:30 am and wondered where his decorations and presents were (for my kids birthdays I decorate one chair with ribbons and a birthday sign and put their presents on the table). I felt horrible. I was too tired last night to do it and I thought I would wake up before him! So we decorated together and then he got to go and pick out his birthday present with Joe. He got a new BMX bike - it is pretty nice! He is very excited about his new bike. I will post a picture asap - i loaned my camera cord to someone and they have not returned it yet! After decorating we had a yummy breakfast (waffles) and got ready for Owen's party. We had both of our families over for hot dogs, pineapple, chips and cake. Owen requested the gourmet lunch menu! We had a great time. At the end of the day Owen said to me "Mom, this was the best birthday ever!"
I am so grateful for Owen. He is the sweetest boy and he is so caring. I will never forget the first time I held him. I think a first born holds an extra special place in a mother's heart. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me with such an amazing little boy. He is just so good! I love him more than he will ever know. Happy birthday buddy - I love you!

Wal-Mart Special

2008-09-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

Owen tried BMX racing for the first time last week. He LOVED it! Joe said he did awesome! The first time he went down Joe said that Owen was so scared but he just got up there and did it. I am so glad I wasn't there because Joe said it was very scary to watch. Nate(my brother) was asking Owen when he was going to do a race and if he was going to win. Owen replied "I won't win the race. I will come in 8th place because my bike is a Wal-Mart special". We all laughed. If he keeps it up and likes BMX he can get a new bmx bike for his birthday - then maybe he will win!

Emma's first day of school!

2008-09-03T14:06:00.000-07:00

Today was Emma's first day of pre-k. She had such a great time. I love her teachers. I think she is going to have a great year! When I picked her up from school her teacher told me that Emma was so good and so smart. I love Emma!

Emma has lost her mind!

2008-08-31T18:23:00.000-07:00

Today during our Sunday nap time we all climbed on Owen's bed(does anyone else have family nap/snuggle time?) and were all just goofing around and of course Emma was a little crazy! Joe said "Emma has lost her mind" and then Owen said "I found Emma's mind. Here Emma". We laughed so hard! Owen is pretty funny. I remember one time Joe told Owen he was a crack up then Joe told Emma that she was a crack up. Owen's light bulb went on and he said "hey, we are the crack up family"!

Up to ten

2008-08-22T09:24:00.000-07:00

I just have to share this website with all of my friends and family who have small children. When my nieces were little (they are now 14 and 12) they were visiting my mom and dad in CA and my mom found this website. It is such a great site for little kids! There is a free section where you can play hundreds of games, color, play music and make crafts. Emma LOVES it and could play on it for hours! If you haven't already checked it out you should! Here is the address www.uptoten.com

Oh. I forgot to tell you when you get to the website click on up to ten free and then select Boowa and Kwala. It is kind of silly but kids love it!

Daria's blessing

2008-08-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Daria's blessing and it was such a nice day! After the blessing we had all of our family over for a little party. We had such a great time and we are so grateful to all of you who came to share this special day with us.

Pinetop 2008

2008-08-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

I kind of think Emma and Sophia look alike. What do you think??
Just the girlies!!
My prince and princess. Daria in the hiking backpack - she loved it!

For Joe's mom's 60th birthday we went to Pinetop and stayed in a very large cabin! We had such a great time hanging out with everyone. The weather was so nice and the kids just loved it. Here are a few pictures from the trip.

Owen's first day of school!

2008-08-15T16:12:00.001-07:00

Owen started kindergarten on Monday. He was so cute. He was worried that he would be late so he only let me take one picture! He made it on time and was excited to see some of his friends from last year in his class! When I picked him up from school he was very confused - he said "it isn't night time yet. I thought I would be gone all day". He is so funny! I miss him when he is at school but I have to say it is nice and quiet around the house!

My girls

2008-08-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

It is so crazy how fast kids grow up! I remember thinking Emma was still "my little girl" but after having Daria I realized that she is not so little anymore! This was really obvious the other day when Emma and Daria were laying side by side. She's huge!! I love my girls!!!

cousins

2008-07-29T18:03:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we had the Skinner family over for dinner and the kids had so much fun! They played dress up, star wars, and got soaking wet - thanks to Owen for turning on the hose and squirting anyone in sight! We had a great time - here are just a couple of pictures.

More pictures from Utah

2008-07-29T17:52:00.000-07:00

Daria's first trip!

2008-07-29T10:32:00.001-07:00

Daria and I had the opportunity to fly to Utah to attend my Aunt's memorial service. The service was beautiful. There were so many people there who did so much to make the service so special. It was great to see so many friends and family members who I haven't see in a long time. It was also great for Daria to meet her Great Nana and some of her cousins! Here are some photos of the service and our trip.
Aunt Jean,Nana and my mom
Cheney cousins
Great nana
Greta and Daria

In loving memory of my Aunt Allison

2008-07-29T10:17:00.000-07:00

Jane Allison Cheney
Jane Allison Cheney 1950 ~ 2008 Jane Allison Cheney passed away peacefully on Mon., July 14, 2008. She was born April 12, 1950 to Barbara Wentworth Cheney and Arch Allen Cheney in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was dearly loved by her family and friends. Allison taught us how to love unconditionally and appreciate the simple things in life. She lived close to the spirit and knew she was a child of God. She loved Christmas, singing primary songs and her Diet Coke. She collected purses, notebooks and pens; dollar bills were her favorite gift. She will be greatly missed by her dear, life long friends who are part of her group home. Her family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the many caregivers who have rendered countless hours of service on her behalf. She is survived by her mother, sisters, Karen (Douglas) Owen and Calleen (Larry) Precourt, brother, Arch Cheney, sister-in-law, Geri Aposhian-Gibbs, and six nieces, four nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She was preceded in death by her father. A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m., Friday, July 18, 2008 at Neil O'Donnell Neil and Sons Mortuary, 372 E. 100 S., in Salt Lake City. Interment Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E. 1300 S. Published in the Salt Lake Tribune on 7/16/2008 Allison was an amazing person and I feel so blessed to have had her in my life. I am grateful for the time I spent with her and for all the things she taught me. She always made me realize what was important in life. She was the most loving person I knew. She always made you feel like you were so special. I will always hear her sweet voice in my head "my Megan". I love you Allison.

"I'm glad I have a mom"

2008-07-09T15:15:00.001-07:00

Last night when I was putting Owen to bed he was giving me a hug and he said "I'm glad I have a mom and I'm glad you look like this".

I thought it was so sweet! I love my little guy!

What an exciting weekend!

2008-07-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

Joe surprised us and took us ice skating! Luckily we had Daria so I didn't have to skate. Joe took both the kids on the ice at the same time - big mistake. Emma was freaking out - as you can see from the picture. She only made it out to the middle and then insisted that Joe carry her back. Keep in mind that this is only the second time Joe has been ice skating! Owen was falling down all over the place but Joe couldn't help him. Finally a man dressed in hockey gear came over and helped him up. Emma went once and never returned to the ice

Owen went back out and actually went around 2 times! It was nice and cold inside - Emma thought we were in Utah. I think that is the last time we go ice skating for awhile!

Daria and mom go to church for the first time in a month! This called for matching dresses and shoes for Emma and Daria(thanks nana)! Owen and Emma were so excited to have her go to church. Emma told Daria "you are going to love our church it is so fun".

My Punky Brewster

2008-07-03T12:21:00.001-07:00

Every time Emma sees me posting on the blog she wants a picture of her put on. So here is a picture of Emma when she was in school. I did her hair and then she went in and picked out her outfit. When I dropped her off at school her teacher couldn't believe the resemblance to Punky Brewster. What do you think??

One month old

2008-07-03T12:10:00.001-07:00

I can't believe Daria is one month old today - it seems like just yesterday she was born! It was the most painful delivery I have ever had but it was so worth it! We love our little Daria and can't wait to watch her grow! By the way we think she might be a red head!!

We love you great Nana!

2008-07-03T11:56:00.001-07:00

Today my mom's mom had another surgery. She is 93 and one of the most amazing women I know. We hope she feels better and has a fast recovery! We love and miss you very much!!

The best big brother!

2008-06-25T15:16:00.000-07:00

Daria and Emma really lucked out in the brother department! Owen loves his sisters very much. He sometimes fights with Emma but I know it is only due to the fact that Emma bugs him all the time.

When we brought Daria home he was so careful with her. He still asks before he touches her and he always has clean hands. He loves to just look at her and tell me about how cute her face is. He even picked out her outfit the other day.

We love Owen!!

Emma's new phone

2008-06-25T15:05:00.001-07:00

I finally got a new phone!! I was actually a little sad but now I am loving my new phone. Everyone has always told me that my phone is huge and totally old school. However, I loved my old phone because I knew how to use everything on it. Well the other day it just stopped working. The screen just went crazy - it dialed but I couldn't see who I was calling or who was calling me! If I didn't have your number memorized I couldn't call you.

When I got home with the new phone Emma's eyes lit up and she said "Can I have your old phone?" She loves it and calls all of her friends and family. She even takes pictures with it. I wonder when she will realize that it doesn't really work?

Daria Meg Young

2008-06-25T14:55:00.001-07:00

Daria was born June 3, 2008. She was 7 pounds 11 ounces and 21 inches long. Daria is our smallest baby - Owen and Emma were both over 8 pounds! Everything is going great! Owen and Emma love her very much - a little too much at times. We are so grateful that she is here and that she is healthy! Thank you to everyone who helped out during the delivery and after! We love you all!