Stoker Crew

July 2011

2012-01-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

The time has come for our trip to Africa. Man it seems like a long time coming. But it is finally here. From those of you who don't know, but Blake's boss for Christmas 2010 gave us a trip to South Africa. I have a whole post about the trip. That will be in a separate post. I tried to keep an accurate entry for each day we were there, since as you can see I have not been very good about posting very timely. But we are getting there.

We had some help packing, in fact I think she would have tried to stow-away if she could. We tried to get as packed as much as we could before leaving on 7 July. With the 4th of July so close and both families liking to do so much we tried not to spread ourselves too thin. We managed and were able to go to the cabin and have a day in the sun.

POTTY TRAINING UPDATE
Potty training is going okay for the most part. I finally was brave enough to make the switch from pull-ups to panties during the day. Time wise she will have been in panties 2 weeks prior to us leaving. I hope it goes well. Kennedy in reality hasn't had too many accidents. Only 1 or 2 maybe a week. Hope she keeps doing good.

Since we packed as much as we could we went to the cabin for a couple of nights.

Kennedy with her helmet. She didn't cry

this time. BONUS. Snowmobiling she

didn't like it too much. It is so big. Helmets

start at the age of 3. Utah law requires anyone

under 18 to wear a helmet while riding on an ATV, etc.

Riding Mr. B. Kennedy still doesn't quite love them enough

to go on a ride out of the drive of the cabin. Maybe next year.

Earlier in the morning after breakfast my dad and Blake saddled the horses up. I rode Mr. B since last September we put Chance down. It is a bit weird without him. I now understand when people lose just that little bit of enjoyment when their pride and joy isn't around any more. Still love riding. Wish I had more time. I look back and wonder how my parents ran my brother and me around while still making time for the horses. They are a 24/7 operation. Not like an ATV that you only have to feed when you use them.

The horses were saddled and we ready to hit the trail. I really wanted Kennedy to come, but by the time the horses were saddled she had fallen asleep. Which in hindsight was a good thing. My dad was leading and he was riding Blackjack. He has been working with her for about 2 years now training her to be a mountain horse. Blake rode Bobby Jo, I rode Mr. B while leading Maudie. Usually my dad rides and leads another horse. But today he wanted me too. We got off the rode and went on the trail that my dad has taken me on since I was a kid. No surprises right. Well, along the trail a tree got Blake's hat. He was at the end of the horse train. So we sat and waited. I was in front. The trail here is cut into the side hill of the mountain. The slope is not gradual slope, it slope probably 20% grade. It is steep in other words. As my dad and I are waiting for Blake, next thing I know his horse has stumbled, lost her balance I am not sure. But I can tell you there was not enough room on the trail to stand side-by-side. My dad grabs my horses lead rope and down the hill Blackjack and he slide. (just a bit scary.) They land just about 3 - 5 feet below me. My dad gets to a point so he doesn't keep going with her, has his feet out of the stirrups and tries to step uphill. Just then Blackjack tries to stand up and steps on my dad's lower leg. (not finding this out till we got back to the cabin.) As Blackjack stands she gets into goes down the hill further into a willow bush. My dad has her lead rope or some reins. She looked as if she was ready to give up and just roll down the mountain. Just then my dad says, "DON'T YOU ROLL! Because if you do, you ain't coming out." The reason she wouldn't probably be coming out is that she was only about 5 feet from the creek. If she would have rolled, she could have hurt her back and possibly as she came a round broke one or more of her legs. If her one or more of her legs were broke no getting her up to move. Fortunately, she did not roll and needless to say it was a bit edgy and scary. Blackjack got her whits about herself and managed to walked to the creek. My dad walked down to her and got her lead ropes and walked her back up the trail.

Meanwhile, Mr. B and Maudie are getting a bit antsy. And since I am leading Maudie she should be behind me right, nope. In all of this she managed to get in front of me. As I look ahead a tree has fallen right on the trail. The tree trunk is too big for the the horses to step over. My dad had handed Blackjack off to Blake and he came and grabbed Maudie. Me being used to Chance didn't keep good head control of Mr. B, which was very bad. Because as my dad was walking up leading Maudie, Mr. B decided to follow very closely. The tension in the air is tight because of what just happened. I remember my dad saying you want to get me killed. I pulled my head out and got serious. As Mr. B started going up, Blake brought his horse forward. Well since I wasn't suppose to go and just waiting on the hill wasn't a good idea, Mr. B ended up sliding down the mountain into the horses below. I then I had back Mr. B up VERY quickly so Blake and his horses didn't do the same thing down the mountain into the creek. We had to go about about 20-30 feet of this tree trunk to get around. After we got around we took a breather for the horses and us (sigh.)

We continued on our ride because my dad didn't want Blackjack to think it was acceptable to act like that and then her reward be to turnaround and go home. We got to the top and started to work our way down the mountain. My dad did not want to deal with the down tree on the way back, so we took another trail. My dad was leading with Blackjack, Blake on Bobby Jo leading Maudie, and me bringing up the end. I thought it seemed weird and we got half way down the mountain and my dad says "I'm getting off and going to walk Blackjack." Blake was like I better get off too. So I asked "do I need to get off?" It wasn't that steep in my mind. My dad has taken me into some harry stuff and this would not be one of those times. Mostly because of where he has taken me, I never know how bad it is until I told someone what happen or where we went on a ride. Plus I have come off this mountain this way many times before. Next, thing I know Blackjack has lost her balance and began sliding down the hill. I want to say she even rolled once. Away she went and my dad let go of the lead rope. Fortunately there was a tree that stopped her. When she stood up, she was shaking like a scared dog with it tail between it legs. As she did this my dad was just starting to switch back down the hill so we didn't go just straight down. Blake was actually closer to Blackjack. He threw my dad the two horses leads he had and he went to get Blackjack. I started my switch back and my dad his. Just then he unhooked Maudie's lead rope and let her pick her way down the trail. I past my dad, as I did he also let Bobby Jo go. Blake started making his way to the bottom with Blackjack and were down first. Again we took a slight break. As we were waiting I asked my dad if he could tell she was going to something weird again. He said "her breathing started to change and didn't want anything bad to happen to either one of them." Also the few weeks prior to this when I went with my dad riding I was leading while riding Mr. B. But I just wasn't leading one horse, but two. I then said "this is why you had me lead last time to because you haven't been to trusting of Blackjack." He said "yup."

We got back to the cabin in one piece considering all that happened on our adventurous ride. Now after all this I am glad Kennedy fell asleep. She would have made the situations worse because she would have been crying and scaring the horses or we could have had some people seriously hurt.

Getting ready for a ATV ride.

Kennedy being the photographer.

Maybe we should invest a kid tough camera.

Grandpa and Grandma

Aunt Sharon and Uncle Lew

Kennedy "wanting" help with the laundry.

Playing in the closet.

The morning of the 4th of July we headed down the Stoker's for a party. We had some brunch and then the kids played on the trampoline and in the water.

Kennedy, Cousin Mason, Cousin Ellie, and Cousin Jordan

Majority of all the grand kids

Brooke, Brayden, MaKayla, Kamryn, (Sarah) Ellie,

Brinley, Mason, Kennedy, Kaitlyn, and Jordyn.
Sarah was lucky to be in the picture. Kamryn
wasn't being too cooperative.

All the 2 year old cousins.

Mason (July 2009), Kennedy (May 2009),

Avery (March 2009), Tyler (Dec 2008)

Kennedy is the size of the 1 year old cousins.

The ones her age tower over her.

Good things come in small packages. Right?

Kennedy taking more pictures.

Kennedy watching fireworks.

Kennedy's first sparkler.

I don't have lots in between of what took place in the month since we were gone. But we brought Kennedy a couple of souvenirs. This is her baby. Let me tell you what in trying to find a baby in Africa. Not easy.

But she loves her new baby.

Just as we got home we were just in time for the Stoker Family reunion. Glad it was only in Salt Lake or we would not have attended I don't think.

Kennedy at the Living Aquarium

Kennedy playing at the park.

Kennedy the size of a new baby penguin.

Kennedy taking another picture.

Me next to a mommy penguin.

Pretty Scarlet birds.

Kennedy at the Tracy Aviary Bird Refugee.

Kennedy and Me

Kennedy downing the dessert with the Blue frosting.

Jordan, Brooke, Kennedy, and Kaitlyn picking raspberries at Stoker's.

June 2011

2012-01-22T22:00:00.000-08:00

The first of June didn't start out too well. Kennedy for just over a week had been fighting a fever, really seems since her 2 year old checkup appointment. Over the past week she would fever, but the fever usually broke. The highest that it had got was roughly 100.0. Not anything to rush to the doctor. Just some meds to help break and she is good right? Finally, it spiked to 102.5 degrees. I was a bit worried. I called the doc first thing in the morning and waited for them to call since it was before they opened. In the meantime what does one do to help a fever go down, but give their child ice cream in a cool bath. (Hey, I am a first time mom.) Kennedy's cheeks were so rosie and you could tell that she did not feel the best.

We got to the doctor and he did a rapid strep test. As the doc was asking all her symptoms and such I said I was concerned since her temperature spiked to 102.5. His reply was "oh, we usually don't get too concerned until it reaches 103.0." In my simple mind it was only half a degree off. But I learned something new. As we waited for the results Kennedy decided to check in the exam table.

The doctor came back in told me that the rapid test came back negative. But also he said that there was another little boy in his office with some of the same symptoms that Kennedy had and his test came back negative as well. They would culture the swabs over the weekend and I could call back Monday to get the results.

I called back to the doctor's office Monday morning. It took awhile for them to call me back. I asked the nurse if I could get the results of Kennedy's culture and she said she was a bit confused. I recapped what happened Friday. Then she said she was confused because they usually don't culture a POSITIVE (yes, POSITIVE) rapid strep test. I asked so you are telling me that her test came back positive on Friday and I am just finding out Kennedy does have strep. The nurse apologized and IMMEDIATELY called in a prescription. I had strep back in March and if Kennedy's throat felt like sharp pieces of glass in her throat all weekend - poor girl. The nurse also told me that the little boy that also was tested for strep that his culture came back positive too. I wonder if there was some unfortunate human mistake that someone looked at the wrong test results of Kennedy and the little boy's. Life happens. But this is the second time this year I have left a doctor's office of Kennedy have strep. Also in March she has test positive for strep but I was never informed. Glad she was okay.

Kennedy likes to help "clean" the house with me. This is her idea of vacuuming.

Kennedy has started to like playing dress up. Well, she found some "dress-up" clothes alright. And she tried them all on. And when I mean all I mean all. Let your imagination wonder, but not too far...

Needless to say I have moved them. But then a few weeks later she found them again. Again, I have since moved them . She has not found them since.

Also this month Kennedy went back to the doctor. Since May from her 2 year old checkup she has been 3 times. This time she had some going on with her foot. We play softball on Thursday nights. My friend Kenzie is an RN. I showed her Kennedy's foot and was like what do I do. She said when I get home put some peroxide on it and draw a line with a marker on to see if the infection is spreading. I did just that when we got home. The next morning the infection had spread. I called the doc and they got her in. My mom took her cause the last two Fridays I have had off I have made plans to go riding horses with my dad. Now, it being literally 2 weeks since her last visit. The doc was unsure what it was on her foot. It was a bacteria of some sort, possiblely staph. He didn't write a prescription right away cause their computers were down and didn't want to give Kennedy the same prescription for her strep. Her last dose was only the day before. I had to call the doctor' when I got back and they called in a prescription. The infection went away. Again, another learning point for Kristin. Very educational month as far as health goes.

One night we had some friends Jeremy and Connie with their kids over for dinner. (BTW - Jeremy is the man who lined Blake and I up.) After dinner the kids wanted to play outside. We took Kennedy's new car and trailer outside. Brooklyn wanted to drive and that left the open spot of the trailer. Glad Kennedy's small.

Towards the end of the month Blake's buddy Rick asked him to fish in a fishing tournament with him at Strawberry Reservoir. They did okay, but we had more fun with us all fishing all together.

Kennedy on our way to Strawberry. It is so fun now that she faces forward.

Rick and Kennedy

Blake and Kennedy getting ready to fish from the deck

at the lodge we stayed at.

Kennedy's first time sleeping in her new sleeping back.

She is getting to be such a big girl.

Rick and his wife Kaily have a little girl that is

almost 3 months old. I guess not only can a

stroller be used to carry the baby, but all

your fishing gear too. A little redneck. We had

a good laugh.

Kennedy and Dad fishing.

Kennedy lost interest real quick. Fishing from

the shore was a bit rough. It was really windy.

We got skunked.

Dad and Kennedy headed back to head home.

May 2011

2012-01-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

Sometime ago back in November I posted about Kennedy wanted to potty train. I was thinking she was going to get this. I was like WOW! This is too good to be true. I was talking with my sister-in-law Liz telling her how Kennedy was doing. She said her niece did the same thing. But she ended up taking 10 months. I was like "oh, no Kennedy has got it." I think I jinxed myself. We are now to May, 6 months later. The only thing is 18 months is rather young in Kennedy's defense to be completely potty trained. She was on a good track of understanding what needed to take place.

Now we are to May. Around Kennedy's birthday she finally decided she wanted to wear "panties". I was not ready for the mess so I just had her in pull-ups. Since she was going to daycare too, I didn't feel comfortable if Kennedy had accidents very often at the sitters. The first week went great. If I remember correctly I think she had really only about 3-4 accidents for the whole week. However, the next week was a different story. She treated her pull-ups like she was in a diaper. Kennedy and I had a talk. I told her if she was going to treat her pull-ups like a diaper, then I was going to put diapers back on. She said that she wanted her "panties". So we tried it again. We are now wearing "panties". Hopefully in no time she will be wearing really panties.

My question to you are pull-ups good or bad? I have decided they are definitely more of a convenience for the parents. That way if the child had an accident you don't have to clean up too much. But does the child to begin to understand what they are suppose to do if they are wet? Or should a parent just skip the whole pull-up scene and go straight to panties/underwear? I think it really depend on what kinda time you have to dedicate to potty training with your child. I felt with Kennedy it wasn't too bad using pull-ups. My work day is a 9 hour day. Stay at home moms have an advantage in this department of the potty training going very smooth and quick. After I thought about it, she may have got a bit confused. But she day by day she did a little bit better.

Any thoughts?

Kennedy had her 2nd birthday. I posted those pictures already.

We just went up for the afternoon to the cabin for Memorial Day, since it was cold. And when we got there this is what we saw.

SNOW

This is SPRING, not WINTER. But we had fun. It was also VERY pretty with just the light dusting on top.

Kennedy and Jordyn

Me and Jordyn

My DORKIE brother Colton

We also went to Blake's parents for his dad's birthday. After the festivities, Brooke decided to pull the kids around on a blanket on the floor.

Brooke pulling the kids - Kaitlyn, Kennedy, and Jordan.

They giggled and laughed so much.

My car also during the month of May needed a little tender loving car. I was quite upset because that meant I had to get the back of my car repainted and detailed. However, the guy that did my detail work has since past away. So I had to have the paint shop locate a person that still free paints on vehicles verses using the vinyl stripping.

Because the paint repair shop did not know if the paint would continue to flake as they fixed it, their suggestion was to start from scratch. So that is what they did. The gentleman that did my detail did a great job. There are some things that I can tell are different, but at first glance all is well.

April 2011

2011-11-12T22:00:00.000-08:00

As many of you know there was the possibility of a Government shutdown because Congress had not come to agreement on the budget. Normally the Government operates on what as know as the Continuing Resolution Agreement (CRA). CRA goes into effect at 12:00 AM eastern time Oct 1. The beginning of the new fiscal year and it end 11:59 local time 30 Sept. In years past Congress has agreed to a budget sometime between November and December.  Since the Government is financially strapped, it has taken a bit longer for Congress to come to an agreement. This year if I remember there were roughly 8 extensions to the budget. Finally it came down to crunch time the first part of the month. If Congress had not come to agreement by 11:59 pm eastern time, the entire Federal Government was going to being furloughed. That means all civilian worker in the Department of Defense, Forest Service, National Parks, etc would be closed. However, the Post Office and Military would have remained open because they are paid and operate out of different pot of money. The possibility of a furlough scared me. Blake and I are prepared because of the type of job Blake has. But I did not want to dip into savings if I really had to. This was almost the case.  Finally Congress came to an agreement.

This made me think about workers that are laid off.   It made me really respect their position. Because at the end of the day for me, I still had a job and position to go back to just no pay. But when one is laid off, they have no job or pay and are left wondering how they will provide for their family. I after this I count my blessing. It may seem like a lot, but I have a job, Blake has a job, we both have vehicles to transport us to point a to point b, we have a home, we have clothes, food to eat, and a beautiful daughter aka a family. There are many that don't have all of that this day and age. We are definitely VERY fortunate. Remember to be thankful for the small stuff. It is the small stuff that counts, not the big stuff.

We went to Iceburg's. This was the kid's cone that Kennedy got with her meal.   Not sure what their definition of kid's cone this is. It is more like a monster ice cream cone.

Blake and I had a chance to go to my favorite country singer - King George Strait. I convenienced my dad to go and my parents came with us. Along with Blake's friends Ryan and Kristina. With George came LeAnn Woolmack and Reba McEntire. I saw this same show in Las Vegas with my friend Whitney the year before. I wasn't too sure about Reba. But man is she a GREAT performer. Such a crowd pleaser. When I heard they were coming to Salt Lake, I jumped on it. The show was great, however our seats sucked. Yes I know I picked them, but no one wanted to pay an arm and a leg for seats. I was ready too, but I went with the group. We sat in the lowest possible upper bowl seats in the ESA. From that expirence now, I will make sure to cough up the extra bucks and get lower seats. I was a bit jealous of my my Lynley, because she and her husband got floor seats. And to make me more jealous she got to shake George's hand. Their seats were right by the isle where they walked on and off the stage. The music and food were great. Can't wait until George comes again.

Since we celebrated Easter. We had some Easter Egg hunts.

My Dad

Ellie and Sharon

Sister-in-law Jordyn

Me and Kennedy

We also made it to Tepanyaki with Blake's friend Quinn. He recently got engaged and wanted us to meet is cute finance Stacie. We took Kennedy with us. Trying out the chopstick. She has some work to go. At least she tries. She follows in her dad's footsteps. I don't eat well with chopsticks, I just go for the fork.

Not much other than that took place in April.

March 2011

2011-11-11T22:00:00.000-08:00

Not much happened in March. But we did make it to Phoenix for my cousin's wedding.

So before we left for Phoenix we pulled out Kennedy's next size of car seat (the convertible). Well, it was a bit big for her. Plus, if someone other than me was to pick her up from day daycare they would need a car seat. I was on the search for a new one. Here is suppose to be one of the last times she rode in her infant seat.

This was a big a decision of do we turn her face forward or leave her refacing. It seems still kinda conversational at this time, because they had not American of Pediatrics had not come to with their published recommendation. The current publication was to be rear facing till the age of 1 and 20 pounds. Key word "AND". Well, rewinding Kennedy at her 1 year old appointment only weighed 16 pounds. I always asked her pediatrician what I should do. Ever since I started taking Kennedy to him, his recommendation was keep her rear facing till she doesn't like any more. Basically as long as we could. So that is what we did. Many think I am nuts. But she didn't mind.

Before we headed to Phoenix I felt like I had pieces of glass in my throat every time I swallowed. Since we were leaving town, I thought I better head to the doc. The doc took a rapid strep test. It came back positive. The medication I took that night was a miracle. It helped so much. My throat felt a whole lot better.

We were leaving on a Friday. Thursday night Kennedy was not in a good mood, nor was she acting like herself. She was more clingy than normal too. So before we left we headed into the doc for her. We were thinking that she may have had strep too. Her doctor's office took a rapid strep test for her too. But her results were NEGATIVE. Off went to Phoenix.

That night we stopped in St. George. I thought it might be easier only driving half-way for Kennedy. When we went to Reno in January, it was ALONG ride home. Friday night we meet up and had pizza with good family friends the Charlton's. It is aways fun to see them. Before we meet up with them Kennedy was trying out her "new" sleeping arrangements.

Yes, she fits in the door of a dresser.

No, we did not have her sleep there.

We got back and ready for bed. Kennedy did her nightly routine. Brush teeth, change into pjs, and tried to go potty. She did. YA. Not the first time, but that is always good. The next morning we got ready. She went on the potty again. Then we meet Dave for breakfast. We had a yummy breakfast. Once we finished. We prepared to get on the road. Blake took Kennedy to the bathroom. As luck would have again she used the potty. Just as any person would think, but she cant keep this up the whole way to Phoenix. Well, she used bathroom all along the way. Never once went in her diaper. She kept this up until she started playing with my cousin's son Hayden Sunday afternoon. I sure got my hopes up. But one has to remember when she ready she will do a good job and it will be on her terms. Along the ride though the Phoenix we thought Kennedy might like to face forward. This was not a good idea. Facing forward for the first time on a long car ride do not mix. I am sure you can guess what happened. Needless to say we pulled over found a car wash to wash her seat out. Poor thing. What is one to do since it is the law children are supposed to be in a child seat. Well, we put it all back together, put a plastic black garbage bag over the seat, then a fleece blanket. That way Kennedy would not sweat on the plastic the rest of the way. We arrived at Curtis and Debbie's and the first thing we did is get the car seat in the washer.

Saturday and Sunday we all just hung out. On Sunday we went to the park and played with everyone.

On Monday we had a bit of time to kill. I persuaded my mom and dad to go to Pei Wei. In the parking lot there was this sign. I wasn't sure how to take it. I thought those bumps in the road were called Speed Bumps. But in Arizona they called them something else.

Breanne is my cousin that was getting married. She married a cute kid named Andrew. They were married in the Mesa temple. Breanne ended up getting married on our grandma Bernice's Birthday. Kinda a cool way to remember. Grandma Bernice pasted away in Oct of 1997. She will have been gone 14 years in Oct. Man, I wish she were her. But I knew she is around.

Uncle Curtis, Aunt Debbie, BreAnn, Andrew, Andrew's Parents

My Cousin Danielle, her baby Jordin, my aunt Debbie, and Debbie's mom JoDene.

4 Generations.

My cousin Danielle's son Hayden. He is 3.

Kennedy loved this pond at the wedding reception.

Headed home. Kennedy wanted to wear Blake's sunglasses

and she wanted him to wear her sunglasses.

Blake looks pretty cute in pink. I tried to get him to keep them.

But he switched back. I can't image why...

Kennedy is keeping entertained by watching various Disney movies.

Man, I think what did I do when I was a kid traveling.

Oh, that is right. I have this wonderful trait from my dad. We

call it the Lindsay sleeping gene.

Random Pictures.

I was able to get Kennedy's first single pony tail.

February 2011

2011-09-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Poop Episode
So one Saturday, the 5th of Feb to be precise. I put Kennedy down for a nap about of 2:00. She was tired. We meet up with my mom, dad, Colton, and Jordyn for lunch. Blake was out of town or at a work outdoor retailer type show. But the main thing was he was GONE.

It is about 5:00 pm. I thought she would have been up by now. But nope still she sleeping so I thought. I wanted to run to The Children's Place. They were having a pretty good sale. About 5:30 I went to wake her up so she would go to bed later that night. Well, she was up alright. She was playing. She was playing not with any toy, but with her poop. GROSS is all I have to say. I immediately called my mom for moral support. She came really QUICK needless to say. I wondered why she was so quiet. My friend Whitney had this happen once with her twins. But they did it at the same time. YUCK. So I felt I was prepared and my child would not do that. Never think that way. Anything is possibly.

The pictures really do not jusitify all where the poop was. It was in her finger nails, around her mouth (yuck - but she is still alive), caked in the Velcro of her shoes, blankets, and quilt. As you can tell ALL OVER.
Let's say I am very thankful for the person who came up with the idea of disposable diapers. Those people who use cloth diapers and have to clean them all the time are up in the night. This is one area that I am not earth friendly.

Early preparation for Halloween costumes

Any takers for her to be a Ghost?

Being Grandpa Bart
At my parent's house there is this picture of my dad in his shorts and cowboy boots. I think Kennedy has sneaked a peek. i will have to give her some fashion lessons as she gets older.

Snowmobiling Cabin

We were able to make it to the cabin on at least one snowmobile trip. The snow when we got to cabin was quite deep. Kennedy got a new helmet from my mom dad that she can wear either for snowmobiling or for the four wheeler. Normally, I would prefer gender neutral on these type of items. But after talking over with my mom and dad. We figured the helmet would fit to her head and she would be wearing it still by the time the next child would need one. So we have quite awhile before that. Plus since grandma and grandpa purchased it, we shouldn't be so picky.

Getting suited up to head in to the cabin.

Kennedy just "LOVES" her helmet. I hope

she start to eventually like it. She will have

lots of opportunity to wear it in the future.

This is what the front of our cabin looked like when we arrived.

Blake and Kennedy

Kennedy doesn't quite like the snow yet.

Doesn't she look so happy?

Remember the first picture of the snow.

Yes, Blake dug the front door out.

Because the snow was so deep we have to enter from

the back. Since it was before Blake dug the front

door out. CRAZY MAN!

Kennedy and I enjoying the porch after Blake's

hard work.

My mom.

Kennedy

Grandpa cleaning up the snow. So our feet don't get wet later on.

Packin' up to head home.

January 2011

2011-09-04T10:00:00.000-07:00

We were not to very eventful this month. Kennedy and I made it to the Treehouse Museum and then went to Reno.

Treehouse Museum

Riding like a professional.

I have a story with this picture. Kennedy was playing on her own fine.

She decided she wanted to get and take a chess piece. Obviously, I would

not let her take it from the area. She was still just playing. Well, this little girl

any from about 5-7 came over and stole the chess piece from her. Of course,

I jumped it and tried to explain. This little girl wasn't having it. And after I gave the

chess piece back to Kennedy, this little took it again. Needless to say Kennedy and I

moved on to another area of the Treehouse. Some people's kids. Poor Kennedy 20

months had no idea what was happening. She was a bit upset that this girl took her toy.

Then the last weekend of the month Kennedy and I tagged along with Blake to one of his shows he has to travel to in Reno for work. It is called the Safari Club International. This is a convention has safari guides come from all over the world to try and get people to come to their property. I felt very out of place. Not only because Blake and I were quite young, but also financially. When we looked around at various hunts or items that were being sold, they were well out of my checkbook. We walked pasted one gun and it was $150,000. Yes, One hundred fifty thousand dollars. The gun alone is whole more than my house. I can't believe people pay that kind of money. This show was amazing. Just things one would not normally think of. Here are some photos of the show.

Kennedy modeling her new chaps.

Grandpa Bart LOVED them.

Also while we were in Reno, Kennedy and I stopped by our good friends house Erik and Jaylssa. They used to live in our ward. Jaylssa and I became pretty good friends. We sure miss them.

Kennedy, Kaisha, and Erik (dude)

Kennedy liked the chairs not so much playing the Wii.

Random photos.

Daddy Daughter Time

Uncle Kevin, Kennedy, and Gidget

Kennedy and cousin Jet playing the piano.

Looking cool at daycare.

December 2010

2011-09-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

Decemember is a wonderful time of year. It is a great reminder of how we should be all year long. Thinking of those before ourselves. Here are some activites we did with our families throughout the month.

First, we made ginger bread houses at Keri and Darren's house.

Kennedy is helping Sharon.

Keri building her house.

Keri (right) and Megan (left)

Sharon is working on her house the correct way. I mean that she

is using frosting on the edges to hold the seems together. Where

as the rest of us used a little bit of cheating. We hot glued the sides

together. Keri had such a great idea. I will be doing that more often.

My finished house. Mine WON!

The ginger bread village.

In November Kennedy turned 18 months. Last year I waited until December to get her pictures done since it is so close for getting Christmas pictures. So I just combine the two. Kennedy is not the most photogenic.

This is what we got.

I love how she is going to link the fake snowball.

Showing the snowball love.

This picture really tells how much

she loves her picture taken.

She must get that from her father.

The favorite mother I am had a second round of pictures the same day with the Stoker cousins.

Jordan, Jet, Katilyn, Brooke, Kennedy

Blake's Grandma Bev likes to get everyone together for breakfast. The whole family is there - aunt, uncle, cousins and their families, mom and dad, and Blake's brothers. In total there is 35 people and counting. It sometimes is a bit much and slightly chaotic. I am used to being with only about 10 people. That is including grandparents, cousins, and aunt and uncle on my mom's side of the family. When we get together with my dad's side of the family the count is pretty much the same. Being of all the years of small families, being with Blake's family is an adjustment. It is getting better, but there are days that I still get a bit dazed and confused with all that is going on. It is getting better.

Kennedy loving getting her picture taken.

Blake's cousins and grandparents.

Scott, Angie, Dave, Greg, Ryan, Blake, Jeff, and Kevin

Grandma Bev and Grandpa Jack.

Moving closer to Chrismtas Eve.

Blake and I with our families have hopefully finally figured out a schedule in order to spend quality time with each of them on the holiday. In reality Salt Lake is not far away, but 40 minutes of driving time makes you miss quite a bit of either party. We have decided that on Christmas Eve we are alternating each year which family we are with and the next year we see the other. It has worked out well the last two years. Christmas day is still a bit tricky. On Christmas day we have been typically been seeing my family in the morning and Blake's in the afternoon. We have not worked out all the kinks, but I think we are well on our way. Blake and I have the understanding that as long as we see one family in the morning and the other in the afternoon/early evening, then we have accomplished our goal.

Kennedy posing

Playing with Great Grandma Connie

Christmas Day

I don't think knew what to think by the time you had her presents, Blake and mine presents in our small living room. Another reason to hopefully one day have a bigger house. That way we are not so confined. However that being said, it is nice being comfy and cozy.

She loves feeding her new baby.

She even was telling the baby to shh..shh...

Kennedy said she was crying. "Baby cryin'."

Kennedy is such a girl. She wanted to

try on everything. For fun we did.

She has a pair of new pj's, sweatshirt, and

a pair of snowboots.

She also got some new panites.

She wanted to try them on.

They were like 5 sizes too big.

We also go her set now to go snowmobiling. She has new new winter coat and matching snow

bibs and her snowmobile/ATV helmet on. Do you know how hard it is to get a full face helmet on

a child? Not easy. But it was accomplished as you can see. The bad part of helmets for child is that

they only start for a child of about the age of 3. But they make this cool next brace thing to strap

underneath the helmet since their necks are not strong enough to hold their heads up.

Visiting my aunt and uncle's house Christmas Morning.

My dad and uncle enjoying quality family time. haha

My mom and her sister gave their granddaughters matching dresses for christmas to go get their pictures taken. My daycare provider takes this time off to spend time with her children without the daycare kids. I then have to find other people to watch Kennedy for me while I still have to work. One of the days my mom took and made an appointment at Target to get Kennedy and Ellie's picture. Remember when I said Kennedy was not photogenic. While the photographer was taking pictures it seemed either Ellie or Kennedy was not happy. Target was running behind which did not help matters. By the time they were done with the session it only took I think my mom said an hour and a half. I am glad I was not there. I did warn my mom that pictures are not a joyous time. See below.

Kennedy and Ellie. Ellie was not happy in this picture.

This may look like Ellie is smiling, but

she is really crying.

After they finally finished they went to Jason's Deli. My mom sent me this picture while I was working with the caption - "This sums up my day".

Family Picture. I am going to try to have one each year. My aunt gave us a really cool photo album. Now I just have to print some pictures off. Being digital I have found I dont print pictures.

Kennedy laying with Payzlee.

We gave Kennedy this little sled. We decided that it would be easier if Payzlee pulled her

around instead. Kennedy loved it. I am not so sure if Payzlee loved it though. She was a

good sport. Kennedy only lasted about 10 minutes. Therefore Payzlee wasn't too tired.

November 2010

2011-07-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

A few things took place in November.

First, Blake and I went to the Utah Football game. They played TCU and they lost. I won't discuss how much they lost by. Even though they lost the game was still fun.

The second thing I can think of is Colton got married. He got married the 20th of November to a really cute girl named Jordyn from the Logan area. They had been dating each other just over a year when they got engaged and were married about 4 months later. Jordyn has been a great addition to the family. We are so glad she is part of the family.

Colton and Jordyn

My dad's brother Curtis and his wife Debbie

and Blake being a dork in the background.

Jordyn's friends

Kennedy and her blankets

My brother's friend Gentry's kid. Possibly could be

a future boyrfriend of Kennedy's.

Kennedy getting all dolled up for the wedding.

Jordyn, Kennedy, and me

Jordyn and her mom Melinda

Casey and Gentry's little boy the ringer bearer.

Casey married Colton and Jordyn.

I was a bridesmaid. Along with one of the best

men one of Colton's mission companion's Ryan.

Little Kennedy and Big Kennedy.

Big Kennedy is Jordyn's youngest sister.

After a long day of wedding stuff.

Lookin' a bit dazed and confused.

Good family friends that came from St. George.

Jory, DAve, Josie, Janica, Jaylynn and

her daugher Gracie.

Randon monthly photos.

Grandpa and Kennedy

Helping mom clean. Since Kennedy

has tunred about one, she has loved

riding the vacuum.

Giddy up!

October 2010

2011-07-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

Lot happened in October.
First we went to the cabin to close things up for the winter. It was my dad, mom, Kennedy, Broc (my mom's adoptive grandson), and myself. The weather was so nice for October. It was sad fall was here and winter on it's way.

Broc, Kristin, and Kennedy

Broc being silly

As you can see, Kennedy does not

cooperate for pictures.

Second, Black Island Farms

Kennedy and Blake

Kristin and Kennedy

Broc and Kennedy

Blake, Kennedy, and Broc on the pumpkin patch ride.

Third, My cousin Keri's daughter Ellie was blessed.

4 Generations - Grandma Connie (my mom's mom),

Sharon (my mom's sister),

Baby Ellie, and Keri

4 Generations - My mom Karen, her mom Connie

Kristin, and Kennedy

Kennedy in Ellie's swing

Fourth - Gardner Village
Kennedy, my niece and nephew Kaitlyn and Jordan, and myself met my mother-in-law and father-in-law at Gardner Village. The weekend we went happened to also be Witches Night Out. It was pretty cool. The women and their witches costumes. Man some of them went all out and they were not even part of the witches that worked for Gardner Village. This one witch instead of having all the fruit for the hat and the coconut shells as a top had fall squash and other fall veggies in her hat and pumpkins for her top. It was cool. I should have got a picture. If you have not ever may it down to Gardner Village in the month of October, you should really try to get there. It is a blast. They also have a witches ride and various witches real and fake witches through out.

Jordan, Kaitlyn, and Kennedy

Kennedy and Me

Jim, Kaitlyn, Kristin, Kennedy, Jordan, and Robyn

Jordan, Kaitlyn, and Kennedy -

another photogenic moment for Kennedy

Fifth - Craving Pumpkins

Jordyn

Colton

We mostly just craved out all the crap out of the pumpkins. Colton and Jordyn were the artistic ones.

Sixth Halloween.

Little Miss Kennedy was Tinker Bell. Cutest Tinker Bell I had ever since. (Just being basis.)

On Friday night, my mom's ward had a carnival and trunk-or-treat in the parking of their ward building. Our ward was hosting theirs on Saturday. We decided to go to my mom's leaving Saturday open for whatever we wanted to do. It was fun to watch Kennedy. I don't think she got the concept. She is picking things up all the time. Next Halloween things will be more familiar. Blake had his friend Devin and his son Tyler come up with us. Devin had just moved to the area from back east and didn't know really where to go. Also, Tyler's grandma came with us as well. Devin moved to Utah in August. He was becoming familiar with the area before he brought his son out. So Tyler didn't have to fly alone, his grandma came too.

Tyler

Kennedy and Kristin

Kennedy

For "Halloween" night (since it was celebrated in Utah on Saturday verse Sunday) we actually stayed out our house this year. Which was odd. Until the last couple of years no one had any kids and no one trick-or-treats any more we usually go to my aunt Sharon's for pizza and chili. I kinda missed going cause we didn't see every one. We still had fun watching Kennedy handing out all the candy.

Grandpa Bart and Kennedy

Random Photos

Kennedy "helping" with laundry.

First time for two pony tails.

Blake's Archery Elk

2011-07-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the year Blake put in for a limited entry archery elk hunt for the Wasatch Mountain area. It was like he was a little kid the night before Christmas morning from the time he found out he drew out until the hunt was over. He prepared all summer. He and his brothers went to a couple of different areas to put up some trail cameras. If you talked to Blake, you could not get away from him without talking about the hunt. He got some pretty cool pictures in the meantime on the trail cameras.

The hunt opened Aug 21 and ended in the mid part of Sept. He went opening weekend, but no luck. He kept going out and still no luck. The last week before the hunt ended Blake, his brothers Ryan and Kevin, and his buddy Rick went out one last time. The hard work finally paid off. He shot a 6x6 elk I think at 40 yards.

Blake and one of his buddy's Rick

Blake and one of his brother's Ryan

We will now have a new decoration in our home. I was pretty excited for him. Secretly, I wish he didn't get one. Right now we just do not have the room for it. The bright side is hopefully this is a sign that one day we will get a slightly bigger home. Only time will tell.

The only thing is this really puts a cramp in my style for decorating for the Christmas Season. When the elk is done being mounted, the only place with a tall enough ceiling is in the living room. I told Blake he better be prepared to take it down so it does not over shadow my Christmas tree. He suggested that we just get a Santa hat and a red nose to put on it. He is a true man with that comment. We have quite awhile till it will be done. Until then, we will have to see.

July 2010 Weekend with the Venable's

2011-06-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

We took the Venable Clan upto the cabin over the 24th of July 2010. We rode around on the four wheelers and played outside. We just went up for the night and came home the next day. Still fun times to get away.

Bryce and Saige, Blake and Savannah

Saige, Bryce, and Savannah

Reagen and Whitney

Kennedy and Me

Kennedy

September 2010 - Last Bag and Randomness

2011-06-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

Well, I can finally say Kennedy is at her last bag of breast milk. She was 16 months old when she finally finished. Mind you I quit pumping in March. I had enough stock of milk for 6 months. Yes, 6 months. That is my claim to fame while I was nursing. When I was in full swing of things and could make it thru the night without pumping. I would pump first thing in the morning and would pump any where from 14-20 total ounces. Yes, that is correct. That wasnt in one day, that was just from the last time I pumped before I went to sleep to went I pumped first thing in the morning.

Yes, this was an odd post. Hopefully when child number 2 come, I am as successful.

First time watching TB ( a.k.a. TV).

Kennedy likes to watch the

Mickey Mouse Club.

Reading her scriptures.

Takin' a nap with Grandma Karen

Baby Ellie

2011-06-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

My cousin Keri and her husband Darren had their first baby. It was a girl. She was named Ellie.

Beaver Creek

2011-06-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Blake, Kennedy, Payzlee, and I went with my parents to a place called Beaver Creek in the Unitas's. If you are familiar with Hoop Lake and Henry's Fork, this area is right in the middle of the two.

The campsite we stayed at was a non-maintained campsite. Which is no official campfire ring, no outhouses, no running water, and such. The campsite we stayed at looked like mainly hunters were the one who used it. Since there were no outhouses, the hunter made their own. I thought they looked a bit rough, I guess you cant complain when you are in the outdoors. That being said I used the bathroom in the 5th wheel. There was no way you would catch me using one. Now I cant say that for Blake or my dad.

I don't have too many camping stories that we have left the horses home. Of course they were with us. It had been a couple of years since I had rode my horse Chance. He was having some feet issues. And finally my dad had him feeling better. Blake, my dad, and I went on a horse ride. We left about 8:00/9:00 and got back just after lunch. My mom the trooper watched Kennedy and Payzlee for us. On our way in to where my dad was taking us, we didn't see anything too exciting. Just trees, rocks, grass, and wild flowers. I can't tell you how tranquil it is when you on the trail. You definitely get lost in your thoughts. Great time for mediation.

Getting all ready to ride.

Ready to get on.

Ready.

Off we go!

My dad wanted to ride to this lake and check it out. It took a couple or more hours to get there. We came into the opening and there was the lake. It was pretty big. We let the horses get a drink and then we got off. As we were sitting there on the opposite side of the lake, there was a juvenile bull moose. Next thing we know he is in the lake to take a dip so we thought. From where we were to where the moose was seemed liked 500 plus yards away. So no big deal right. As this moose began swimming he was headed right for us. I was a bit nervous and was like "what the heck is he doing?". As he was swimming he began to look tried. By now this moose is roughly 250 yards aways. You can tell the bottom is quite deep by how he is swimming. He looks like he was dog paddling. Just then he disappeared. I said to my dad "what is going on? Is that moose drowning?" Just then he pops up. He is completely covered in water but his rump and head. Then he is gone, but this time we watched close. When he popped his head back up, you could see he was eating. He was eating grasses off the bottom of the lake in this somewhat swallow area. He must of got too hungry to continue coming at us. Cause just ask Blake or my dad, that moose looked like he was on a mission to property his territory. He ate in this one area for about 1/2 hour. Then he got out of the lake. When he got all the way out his shook like a wet dog. And you could hear him. It was pretty cool. Now I am sure pictures would be so cool to see, but guess who left their camera at the trailer. You guessed it me. But I am sure you all know what a moose looks like. Not missing anything there. But it would have been cool to document, since people don't get too close to them often. On the way back my dad's horse Bobby Jo got all excited and nervous. She can be kind of skittish. Initially we couldn't see anything to figure out why she was acting the way she was. We got a bit further down the trail in this open meadow and eating on the edge was a cow moose. Bobby Jo could smell the moose. It all made sense.

The next day we just hung out around the camp while it rained. We really roughed it. We watched a couple of movies and took some naps. After dinner we took a ride in the truck over to Hoop Lake. My dad wanted to check things out over there; to see how full the camp sites were and stuff like that. On the drive over we came across some free range cattle. One of the cows just happened to cross in front of us. However, it was a bit odd looking because it had the biggest bite mark out it's hide. It was bright red too not scabbed over. We wondered what would have done something like that. We all surveyed the area to see if we could see anything. Nothing in site. We continued on our way. We got to the camp sites and drove through them and also the campsites where the trail head and corrals were for the horses. If you haven't been to Hoop Lake the campsites are separated by the lake. The ones for horse on the south side of the lake and the general campsites on the north side. It was pretty wet and crowded. My dad was glad he decided to stay were we did. We turned around and headed back. Blake was driving. We were in the area of the cattle again. We surveyed the area again. Out of the corner of Blake's eye he saw something. All I saw was a quick whip of the very end of the tail. Now he really cannot confirm what he saw, but I can tell you from the size and bushiness of the tail what we think he saw and what could take such a big bite out cattle like that. Not a mountain lion, but yes, a wolf. Now in the state of Utah at the time the DWR said no wolves were living in the state. The DWR may not have publicly addressed that the wolves were in Utah, but I bet darn well those ranchers knew if there were wolves in the area. I say that because the ranchers know if any of their cattle are missing plus they have their ranch hands that ride to check up on them. Folks can believe what they want, and I will believe what I want. All I can say is the tail was not long, skinny, and sandy colored. It was bushy and gray. Bushy and gray more resembles a wolf.

Blake and my dad the following day went on another ride with the horses. I felt kinda guilty leaving Kennedy with my mom back at the trailer, so I decided it was best to stay with them. I sure don't get to ride as often as I would like. But I got to ride quite a bit more than the year before. That nursing business kinda holds you back, but well worth it. My mom, Kennedy, and I went on walk and went to check out the other camp sites in the area. Some were a bit more improved than ours, but not isn't saying much.

Kennedy had fallen asleep went we went riding the first time. We put her on the horse when my dad and Blake we getting for the ride when it was just them.

As you can see she didn't like it so much by herself. But later when they got back and was with Grandpa Bart, everything changed.

My dad and Kennedy on Bobby Jo

You maybe thinking, how come Karen never went for a horse ride. Well, for those of you who don't know, my mom DISLIKES riding horses. She had a bad experience some years ago when I was a kid. I believe she was bucked off. Since then she hasn't cared to ride. I know of 2 times since then that she has rode a horse. Depending on where we go, she will get a head start walking and then us on the horses will catch up and usually pass her. She will then later on catch up with us. We carry all the gear. That was she only has to worry about carrying some water and jolly ranchers for herself. It works for her and us. Depending who we have gone camping with I will let someone else ride and then I will walk with my mom. That way my mom isn't always walking by herself.

Payzlee

My mom and Payzlee by the river.

Blake and my mom always love a fire. I could really careless. I don't like smelling smokey.

My mom, Kennedy (holding the cow bell), my dad, and Blake.

Kennedy and Blake. She is still holding the cow bell.

My dad put the cow bell on the lead horse, so he knows

where they are when he lets them out to graze while

being hobbled.

2 Year Old Photo Shoot

2011-06-05T21:47:00.000-07:00

These were just taken at Target. They do a pretty good job. I can't complain as far as the quality. However, they won't go bigger without going grainy.

Serious Pictures

Silly Pictures.

I had my mom go with me to get her pictures done. She has not been the most photogenic child. I was not looking forward to going, plus she had been sick on and off. The list goes on. In the end she cooperated great. That was not the case back in December when my mom and aunt to take Kennedy and my cousin's kid Ellie to get pictures taken. Just wait and see. And you will agree Kennedy has transformed.

Terrific 2 or Terrible 2 You Choose

2011-06-05T21:33:00.000-07:00

It's that time again. It was Kennedy's birthday and she turned 2. I know don't be surprised about how much I am blogging. I only have 10 months worth of blogging to catch up. I thought I should at least blog about the big day.

It is so odd to think we have a 2 year old. Most days she is pretty good, others she fits in the terrible 2's category. I would say she hit the terrible 2's back in November. Maybe she is just getting more of a personality. Ya, that is it. She is developing her personality. She definitely knows what she wants and what she does not want. Especially when it comes to telling daddy no (which is my favorite.)

This sweet thing to...

This...not sure if you call her sweet any more.

First time I straightened her hair.

She is saying "Cheese".

Back view.

Her hair is not very long here. The Saturday before I had

my cousin Keri trim it up. She took off about an inch from

the back.

Blake doesn't like her hair like this. He says it does not

look like his daughter. She did look a bit different

I would have to admit.

First I will start with her 2 years old doctor check-up. All is well, except getting the shot. This kid has a memory like you wouldn't believe. The last time she got a shot was 6 months ago. Who knew she would remember that long ago, since it is not in her normal routine. You ask her where something is, next thing you know she comes around a corner with it in hand. Kennedy is progressing as a toddler should. Saying two - three word sentences, walking up stairs, throwing and kicking ball, starting to use a regular cup, and etc. Good to know she is on track that way. As far as her stats go, well, what can I say except Kennedy is Kennedy.

Height: 31 inches (2%)

Yeah, she moved up 1%

Weight: 21.6 lbs (1%)

No change

Head: 18.75 (54%)

At least she is average in one area.

As far as Kennedy actual birthday not too much happened. We were suppose to start playing softball in a co-ed league. But this "wonderful" weather was not cooperating. The game was cancelled. Blake has been playing in a men's league in SLC, and those games were cancelled too. We just hung out. My cousin gave me the idea to run to the yummy sweets store where they sell gourmet cupcakes and such. We did not make it. My mom and dad stopped by. So not a whole lot happened. Because we were planning on having a softball game the family party was planned for Saturday.

At daycare they had a little party with cupcakes. Brenda her daycare provided took her to the store and let her pick out a little gift. She chose a seahorse and mermaid. She also got to pick out a balloon. Brenda sent home the extra cupcakes. After dinner since we didn't make it to the dessert store, we let her finish one of the cupcakes instead.

The weather was terrible all week. I was just praying for it to be good on Saturday for her party. The forecast said the weather was supposed to be good, but we live in Utah. It can change in a split second. I remember bringing Kennedy home from the hospital. The day before was great, but the days after not so great. Last year was also the same. Cold and rainy. The weather this year ended up being good. It hit about 70 earlier in the day. I wasn't too worried then for her party later that evening. We just had only family over. Nothing fancy this year. Just cupcakes and ice cream. First off, we want to thank everyone for coming to Kennedy's party. It is so nice for people to take time out of their day to come and celebrate Miss Kennedy in our family.

Here are some photo's of the party.

Opening Gifts.

Her lips (a.k.a. chap stick)

Her new ride and trailer.

Isn't that just the cutest. I just had

to get the trailer for her.

Her new kitchen. Now she won't have to

use our entertainment center as her oven.

Cousin Jet with her.

Trying to get in.

Playing softball with her new t-ball set

with her cousin Jordan and

his friends Brock and Jake (twins).

Throwing the ball.

Kennedy and Jet Crusin'

The cupcakes.

My aunt Sharon and cousin Keri have much better

cupcakes. Even my friend Michelle.

she posts on her blog all kinds of cool cupcakes

she has made on her blog.

Kennedy's cupcakes turned out good for the

occasion. People just eat them any way right?

Next time, I will have to ask one of them to

make them for me or tell me their secret.

Make a wish.

My sister-in-law Jordyn being weird.

Bear Lake 2010 (Morris and Stoker Reunion)

2011-05-17T18:58:00.000-07:00

July is the busy month for us. Seems like we go to the cabin and then off to family reunions on Blake's side of the family. My dad does not like to go to them. Needless to say we didn't go. I remember going to like 5 in the past 30 years of my life. 2 of them for the Lindsay side and the other 3 for the Huss side. I am learning to like going to the reunions and catching up with Blake's family. So much changes from reunion to reunion. In people's lives they have either got married, had a baby, going a mission, or sadly someone has past on.

MORRIS REUNION

The first family reunion was the Morris Reunion which is at Bear Lake every year for a week at Ideal Beach (a.k.a. Sweet Water).

Blake goofing off.

My nephew Jordan

Blake and Kennedy

Blake, Kennedy,and Me

As you can tell I am not the best picture taker. I really need to work on that. Sadly we were at Bear Lake and I think I took a total of 20 pictures between the two reunions. Note to self - be a better photographer just to capture moments.

STOKER REUNION

For the Stoker reunion we stayed at Rendezvous Beach. The Reunion included about a 1 mile hike to this lake with Blake, Kennedy and I. It is a glacier. The water was a bit cold to the touch. However, there were some CRAZY folks that were swinging in the lake. People had put a rope in one of the branches of an old tree with a knot at the end of the rope. The line for the rope had like 20 people in it. I was not going to get in line to swing into the water.

The Stoker reunion is always changing locations. I think that is one of the things I like about this reunion cause you get to see and visit different places. Each sibling takes a turn hosting. Along with their family decide where they want to hold the reunion. Some of the places have included Lava Hot Springs, Salt Lake City, Palisades, Panguitch Lake, Mesa Verde, and Bear Lake. I have now been in the family long enough that they have rotated through all of Blake's aunts and his dad. We are starting over. Can't wait to see where we go in the coming years.

Blake, Kennedy, and Me

Blake, Kennedy, Robyn (Blake's mom), my niece Kaitlyn

Kevin (Blake's brother) and Kennedy

Kennedy playing under the dinning table in the trailer.

When you stay at the Ideal Beach obviously you don't need a trailer, but for the Stoker reunion I really didn't want to tent it with miss Kennedy. We had to drive home for a reception anyway. So we picked the trailer up from my parents and then headed back to Bear Lake. There sure was a lot of driving involved. We probably should have called and asked if we could just park it while we were already up there the previous days. I didn't think the resort would really appreciate having the fifth wheel there. It all worked out and we were happy.

4th of July 2010

2011-05-17T18:53:00.000-07:00

Typically every year we go the the cabin for the 4th of July. This year not much happened compared to the year before. We have my dad the "MIGHTY HUNTER" with his harvest. Okay it was really a nuisance.

Yes next to my dad is a badger. Not a friendly critter. Instead of living underneath the cabin he now lives inside the cabin. We have since named him Dodger the Badger.

This 4th of July 2010 was cool. The water was very high from the spring run off. We saw some beavers that I had rarely seen much in the prior years. It reminded me of when I was a kid. It seemed liked we were there every weekend with my mom and dad's friends Dave and Dana and their kids. Or my aunt and uncle Sharon and Lew and their girls. The families have now expanded. I am now bringing my family along with my bro and his wife and my cousins and their husbands and those of us who have kids.

This 4th of July was also sad now looking back. Who knew this would be one of the last times my horse Chance would make it up there. Here is my good ole boy Chance. I sure loved riding him. I was very comfortable with him. Not only just on short rides around the cabin, but on long pack trips with my dad. I got to the point I would tie a knot in the reins. Then I would put them on the saddle horn and away we went.

Myself, Kennedy, and Chance

Blake, myself, Kennedy, and Chance

My dad, myself, Kennedy, and Chance

My aunt and uncle (Sharon & Lew)

sleepy Keri (cousin) - is like 8 month prego and can't get comf\ortable

Kennedy's new do

Front/top shot

Kennedy, Blake, and Payzlee

Kennedy and Me

This is Kennedy's hair after I took it out for the night. My mom held her while I took out

all those little rubber bands. She wasn't a happy "camper". No pun intended.

All-in-all the cabin is a fun quick get-a-way. I wish my grandma and grandpa Lindsay could see how much we enjoy and are thankful for what they did. My how they would be so amazed to see what my dad has done to help improve it. Through out the summer he along with Blake and my dad's brother Curtis built a much needed new deck. It is huge compared to what we used to have. In my opinion way nice. When you think of a cabin these days, it is basically a second/summer home. For those of you who have not been to our cabin is VERY rustic. I love it. Not that we want to get it way dirty, but you don't feel like you have to take a shower when you come in every time to make sure you don't get anything dirty. Maybe in the future we will make more improvements. But for now the place is GREAT!

10 Year Class Reunion

2011-05-15T16:07:00.000-07:00

Well, I had my 10 year class reunion last June. (Nothing like posting in a timely manner.) It was fun to see everyone. Man how time flies. We all have changed so much. People in 10 years are able to accomplish so much. One had a Law degree, one even had their 5th child on the way, and other lives in China. I can say that I have gone to school and achieved my degree, even traveled out of the country (not to live just vacation), but I am lacking in the child department with only one. We hope to increase that one day. (I am not hinting that anything will happen to so.)

Barbi, Cambria, Michelle, Kristie, myself, and Kirsten

Only to wonder where we will be in another 10 years from now. Some of us may have kids getting married, off to missions, or even in college. Now that is weird to think about. Hopefully we will be able to accomplish more dreams. Reunions often make one reflect on where they have come from and where they are going. I have had some pretty cool and amazing things happen not to mention some not so good things. You take the good with the bad and press forward. One of my favorite saying is "if everyone put all their troubles in a pile, you will still walk away with your own. Because everyone's elses troubles will seem a little harder to make it through."

I wish everyone from the class of 2000 best of luck in the coming years.

Braggin' Time

2010-12-18T20:01:00.000-08:00

What time is it? Potty training time!!!

Yes, I am gong to brag. It has only happened once. But Kennedy gets it. Kennedy is getting to about that age of potty training. I was very anti about getting one of those little potty's for training. I thought oh, she can just be a big girl and get on the big potty. I didn't want her to be scared of the big potty when we went out to places, so before I would put her in the tub I would set her on the potty. She didn't last long, but she was getting comfortable. The weekend of the deer hunt, we did our nightly routine. But this time while she was on the potty she reached for some toliet paper. I gave it to her and she totally wiped. She mimic the whole process. I week or so went by, and we all went to Wal-mart and we broke down and bought a potty. I decided to brake down and by a potty because Kennedy is so small. At the big potty her feet had probably 6 or more inches before she could touch the ground. That being the case even astep stool would not help. So the little potty. Even when she sits on that one she still has two inches before her feet will tocuh the ground.

Blake put it together and Kennedy tried it out. She loved it. She made me hand her some toliet paper and mimicking the motion but nothing in the potty. The next morning nothing out of the ordinary, but I asked Blake to askeKennedy if she wanted to go on the potty. And she did. Blake took her in the bathroom and a few minutes later I hear ---- a Kristin, come here. I went into the bathroom. Blake was that from her last night. I was like was what from last night? Just then Kennedy stood up. She went potty!!! We were so excited.

It is amazing what makes a parent happy. It is the small things. Needless to say, we are working with Kennedy to potty train. Nothing aggressive. She on her own terms. She is now starting to recognize that she has gone to the bathroom in her diaper and wants to be changed immediately. Now we just need to her to tell us when she ready to go on the potty not after she has done it. But slowly but surely. I am crossing my fingers that she will be trained by 2. But only time will tell.

I started writing this post back in the middle of November. But since then Kennedy has gone on the potty 7 times #1 and once #2. She has even gone several times at daycare. I hope she continues to make progress.

18 Months

2010-11-22T20:53:00.000-08:00

Well Kennedy has hit 18 months old. I can't say this enough, but man time sure flies. OK I know you all are probably expecting pictures. But they are coming. I am on Blake's computer. Mine is having a moment.

I took Kennedy in for her 18 month appoint and all is very well. She is growing but at Kennedy speed. Her 18 month stats.

Height: 29 inches

(4% - and she has hit the charts again

finally. In between her 1 year appointment

and this 18 month appointment she has

gained 3 inches in height. Which as you

know is a ton for Kennedy.)

Weight: 18 lbs.

(by the way dont fall off your chair.

She is less than 1%. As for weight she

still does not make the charts. And since she

has not reached 20lbs. She is still in her

infant seat. HAHA)

I mention that she is still in her infant seat. For those of you who don't know it is now recommended to keep you infant in their infant seat rear facing as long as possible. Kennedy doesn't fight it, so I just leave her in it. And she does not meet the requirements to change. But the other day I got thinking when she happened to fall asleep in her car seat that I have it pretty sweet still because - how many people still can carry their 18 month old in their car seat. Most have already switched to their next car seat. Nope not us. When she is asleep, we still have the convenience of just taking out the car seat. I am getting used to taking her car sear every and this has been going on for 18 months now, her infant seat will be surely missed when we have to switch over to a bigger car seat.

Cabin with the Stoker's

2010-11-07T18:07:00.000-08:00

Okay, I know I know...but here comes all those blog entries that I should have been blogging about over the summer.

First we headed to our cabin with Blake's family. It was pretty fun. We went up on a friday night and came home on a sunday. Mark, Heidi, and Jet came up for the day on saturday. Unfortunately, it wasn't the best weekend to be at the cabin. It RAINED off and on the whole time. But that is what makes all the trips to the cabin so fun. They are usually very different.

All the adult kid took the four wheelers for a ride to the top. We raced off course. That was one cold ride. On the way back Ryan, Blake's oldest brother, thought it would be funny if we raced. So I totally fell into his trap. Hook-line-and-sinker. As we raced, up a head there was a mud puddle that I did not see. And he came into the puddle and got Blake and I muddy. Well mostly Blake. It was fun. I tried to get him back but I just wasnt very good at hitting the puddle at the right time.

Ryan & Liz

Liz

Heidi and Mark Ryan and Liz

Later than night we played Minute to win it. We had to roll three pieces of toliet paper up in towers all of different heights. You had a minute to pick them all up. Oh, by the way you had to do it with your mouth. It was a bit tough, but way fun.

Finally on sunday morning the boys convinced Robyn to ride a four wheeler by her self. Jim and her headed out. I think she had more fun than she would like to admit.

Other random photos from the weekend.

Nephew Jordan

Niece Brooke

Ryan and Liz and Jim and Robyn borught their maltese dogs with them.

Here is Payzlee patiently waiting for her raw hyde from one of

the maltese.

Kaitlyn (niece), Robyn, & Kennedy

Robyn having some zzz's

Mark, Brooke, Katilyn, Jordan, & Ryan

Nephew Jet

Another one bites the Dust!

2010-10-25T21:06:00.000-07:00

Which by the way is a great Queen's song. But any who, another year has gone by. In years past my birthday was all about me. But I have hit a milestone. (Not over the hill, but that is surely now fast approaching.) But birthdays are just another day. At least that is what Blake says. Blake and I combined our birthdays and Christmas this year to update the family room with a new tv and entertainment center. I have come to realize that life isn't all about me it is about those around you who you love and that love you. That is all one needs. Love!

I didn't do much today. Just went to work and then had the family over for cake and ice cream. Got some gift cards and money to put towards a new camera which is in the mail. Nohing fancy just a point and shoot. I don't have the patience to learn much more than that. They do take great pictures but for my use the point and shoot will do just great.
Oh did i mention the best gift of all. I woke up sick.

Again another one down another gone another bites the dust.

WE ARE ALIVE

2010-09-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

Hello to all who read our blog. Yes we are alive. Often I wonder "were my parents this busy when they were my age?" Sometimes I feel it is almost like we hurry up to get somewhere to just hurry up and leave. Rather than enjoy where we are at. Do any of you feel like that on occassion?

I have talked to several people and have asked them that same question "were our parents this busy when they were our age?" And they say no our parents were not this busy. But when I get this discussion going the answer is usally the same of how did we get to the CrAZy busy we are. And their responses are all about the same, is that we have done it to ourselves.

I remember running here and there and everywhere when I was tumbling and Colton was playing 30 million sports. But I don't remember going a million miles an hour all the time like I do now. Which scares me. Cause if I run this much now and Kennedy isn't in any activities yet, man I am really going to be pulling my hair out in a few years.  It just seem like yesterday when Kennedy was just born. But now she is 16 months old. And is such a cutie pie developing a great little personality.

Well you may ask what have we been upto over the summer. Well we went camping lots. Because it is relatively inexpensive. We went to our cabin several times. We even were able to get Blake's family up there.  We also went to Bear Lake. And lastly we went with my parents with the horses and the trailer house. Man, I am cool camping in a tent. But staying in the trailer with Kennedy is a whole heck of a lot easier. The best part about camping for me is I finally got to ride my horse Chance. He has had some feet problems over the last couple of years. My dad finally found something to help. He was a champ.  We rode him at the cabin and up by Henry's Fork.  We even got Kennedy on with me and she rode around with him.

Blake also drew out on a limited entry archery elk tag this year. He was pretty PUMPED.  I think that is all he thought about until the hunt started. Well he was lucky and harvested a 6x6 bull elk. It is pretty nice. Let's just say nice enough to mount it. So now I will have some new decor in my house in about 6-8 months from now. YIPPEE!!!

But on a sad note at just last Sunday we had to put ole' Chance down. I got the call from my dad last sunday morning that he though Chance was dying and I better come to say my good-byes. Before my dad could finish what he was saying, I jumped out of bed, left Blake and Kennedy and headed down to my parents. We don't know what was wrong. He just couldn't get up. We had the vet come out and checked him out. But he couldn't explain it. We think he may have had a stroke.  He was so calm and not in any pain. He was 22 years old. We thought he had a few more years in him. But when it is your time it is your time. We had a group of 4 horses that were the best. They didn't fight. They just all got along so well. Chance was the last of the 4. So now they are all together running free. But to look on the positive side my dad is already looking and getting another horse. Which I hope works out. And I was totally shocked. Because after our last horse Star was put down, he said he wasn't going to replace another horse when the next one died.  But I guess things have changed.   It is amazing how attached one can become to an animal. They are such a great part of a family. I don't know what I would do with out them.

I will have to post some pictures later of some of our trips and random pictures. But I haven't even downloaded them to the computer. So hopefully at the end of the week or even next sunday. I have to keep you all insuspense until then.

Look Who's One!

2010-06-17T22:29:00.000-07:00

K - I am a little late in this post. But i am finally getting to it. I have found that it is much easier for me to blog about once a month.

Last month our little cutie turned 1.

It is amazing how fast time has gone this past year. To look from where we have come to where we are, I thought I would have pulled my hair out by now. Working full time, a mother full time, a wife full time, a housekeeper full time, and the list goes on. But the best job I have is being a mother.

Just over a year ago Blake and I were very blessed with Kennedy Jade. She weighed 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 1/2 inches long and I can't forget her hair that was jet black and about an inch and a half long. You always worry if you will be able to provide for them. But she has not had a day go by that she went naked some where. So that is a good thing. She was always very well feed. I nursed her till 5 weeks old and I had enough of that. Plus she wasn't the best at it. So I pumped for the next 8 months. I produced so much milk, many in my family called me a cow. Now Kennedy is turning 13 months and is still on breast milk. I have so much milk in the freezer, I think she will be drinking it until she is 15-16 months old. Maybe even a month longer. Here is a picture of our freezer in March when I quit pumping. Most people fill their freezer with food, such as beef, chicken, pork, and veggies, etc. But not here at the Stoker household, it is milk.

Kennedy has had many milestones this past year. She began rolling over at 4 months, got her two bottom teeth and started crawling and pulling herself up at 7 months, but didn't officially crawl until 8 months. She started taking a step here or there, but nothing consistent at 11 1/2 months and starting walking the week of her birthday. She also had a top tooth break through. And she now has the second top tooth and a side top tooth coming in as well. She is progressing well. The doctor was a little worried about her size at her 9 month appointment. Because she only gained a pound and grew an inch. But for her 1 year appointment things were looking better.

Her status:

Weight: 16 lbs. (less than 1%)

Height: 26.5 (less than 1%)

Head: 17 3/4 in (54%)

She loves her Payzlee and going for rides on her. She loves being flipped (YEAH for me, tumbling here she comes.) She loves to play with her Little People Farm, bang on the wall or anything she can hit that will make noise.

A couple of days after her birthday we had a big party for her. I went a little overboard, but how often does your baby turn 1. Once! Don't worry every party from here on out will not be this elaborate. Too much work. We had a lot of great people come. But we were missing a few. But they were definitely there in spirit. One for sure wasn't there was Blake's grandpa Jack. He had been in the hospital earlier that week. But his grandma came up. Which we really appreciated. And we also appreciate Blake's aunt Shauna, because she was with grandpa Jack while Grandma Bev came to the party.

Proud Daddy

Grandma Stoker

Margie, Al, Grandpa Stoker, Jeff (to the left) (to the right) Great Grandma Connie, Megan, and Garrett

up to the right the cooks, Blake and Kevin

To the left Bryce, Savannah, Saige, Whitney, and Brooke

All tuckered out from partyin'!

Blake got a four wheeler in May and he figured Kennedy needed one of her own too. This was her "big" surprise gift from us for her b-day. One day she will probably want a real one. What have we got ourselves into. She actually can even push the button to make it move.

Broc (Kennedy's brother from a different mother)

Up to the left - this was the first time she feel asleep in her high chair. Couldn't resist. And then that was her the next morning with her crazy hair.

Graduation

2010-05-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that Blake is finally done with school. He graduate April 23, 2010 from Weber State University. Kennedy and I are so PROUD of him and his accomplishment and many other people too. But in Blake's words "IT'S OVER! SCHOOL IS OUT FORVER!"

WEBER STATE, WEBER STATE, WEBER STATE --

GREAT, GREAT, GREAT! GO WILDCATS.

me, Kennedy, Blake, and my mom Karen

Blake, Kennedy, and Al

Jim (Blake's dad), Kennedy, Blake, and Robyn (Blake's mom)

For those of you who don't know, Al is who Blake works for selling all the many products that he represents for hunting, camping, etc. You name it there is a line that he represents.

So to catch you up, Blake and I didn't see eye to eye about walking for graduation. I don't think I bothered him too much for a decision, but he still had not made a decision the wednesday before graduation. His mom and dad wanted to be
there as well as my parents. I called his mom earlier in the week giving her a heads up just in case to take work off. I asked Blake again wednesday and his answer was still no he wasn't walking. But I knew if he didn't he would regard it. It is now thursday morning and I asked him for the final time. By now he told me I had to decide. Now I felt guilty. Because if I decide he goes, he is not happy, but if I decide he doesn't go, then I am not happy. It isn't like you get a do-over later on. There are a few things in life you only get to do once and college graduation is one of them. I went to work called his mom and my mom to figure out what to do. Then later that night Blake get's a phone call from Al. And he says to Blake "so what time is your graduation? Because if I know Kristin, you are walking." So he walked. He was all smiles and every one was happy. Blake doesn't like lots of attention. He is very humble in that way. Me on the other hand, I am the complete opposite. So we go together.

CONGRATULATIONS BLAKE and WAY TO GO!!

Professor Steven Eichmeier and Blak

Viva Las Vegas - Girl's Only Weekend

2010-04-15T21:18:00.000-07:00

Again, playing catch up. I am almost caught up. GREAT! Any who...

Viva Las Vegas -

So one day my really good friend, Whitney, calls me and says "do you want to go see your husband?" I was like I see Blake every day. Then she said "no...your other husband." I was like heck ya, "When?" She said next weekend. (This is back at the end of January.) I said "sure count me in." For those of you who didn't know I had another husband - you are think oh my gosh what has happened and probably wondering who it is. Well, he is known by a few names, King George or Georgeous George. And for those of you who are not country fans (shame on you) it is GEORGE STRAIT. He is so HOT! Just a tad bit of info - George doesn't even know he is my husband. haha.

Whitney told me all I needed was money for food, activities during the day (aka - shopping), and to get a ticket. I had the money, but no ticket. I had to buy one. Whitney and Blake both help me look online to see if any were available. And there were. YEAH! Whitney had a place to stay and she said she would drive. Now, this is very uncharacteristic of me just to up and head out of town. Because I like every thing to be pre-planned. Not this spur of the moment kind of stuff. But it was a nice get away.

The trip was short. We headed down after work on a friday and came back on Sunday. Blake was out of town as well. So I "twisted" my mom's arm to see if she would watch Kennedy and I had to twist my dad's arm to watch Payzlee. They both agreed. Payzlee isn't a bad dog, she just manages to pull the dog bed out of the kennel and tear down the door. What do you expect when a dog gets bored?

We got to Vegas about 10:00 than night, found the hotel, got settled, and off too bed. We were so excited cause we both could see in and not have to get up to feed our children. But the funny thing is your body gets in a routine and you have no choice of what time you get up. Your internal alarm clock gets you up early no matter what.

We got ready and hit the strip. It was raining. Not bad, but if you didn't have an umbrella you wished you would of had one. Which one of us wished we would have. haha. Neither of us had one. So at one of the dorky stores that carries everything we bought an umbrella.

After we shopped for a bit we headed back to the room and took a nap so we could stay up to watch the concert. I am not a night owl. So if you want me to stay up, I need a nap. The concert was at MGM. On our may to MGM, we stopped at a few locations.

Harley Davidson Restaurant

M&M Factory

We made our way through the crowds to MGM. We headed to our seats. The other artists that came with George was; LeAnn Woolmack and Reba. Oh boy was I even more excited to see the show.

LeAnn Woolmack came out on stage first. I love her CD's, but I wasn't too impressed with her in concert. It is like she just walked or stood. Okay, I know that sounds dumb, because those of you that have seen George he does the same thing. But he is HOT!! He can just stand there.

Next, was Reba. Man does she put on a GREAT show. I would see her again in a heart beat. She was so fun to watch. I thought I used to not really care for her music, but the older I get I like her lots more. During her performance Barbara Jean came out from her show Reba. She was hilarious. Whitney and I got the biggest kick out of her. And to finish up her, she did the most awesome performance of her song Fancy. She did a quick wardrobe change, and came out in a taxi. And an old looking one from about the 50's I believe. It looked like the one from the music video. Then she got out and she was is this sexy red dress.

After Reba performed, the best part of the show was about to start. It was GEORGE. And he looked as good as ever. He sang various songs through his career. Personally my favorites are his older stuff, like "Easy Come, Easy Go" or "Fireman" or "Ocean Front Property". All classics of his. And he performed some of his more current songs.

All in all it was a GREAT weekend! Well deserved for the both of us. Thanks for asking me to go Whitney.

Hair Masterpiece

2010-04-11T22:14:00.000-07:00

I did this to Kennedy's hair when she was about 8 months old. Her hair has changed so much lately, I haven't been able to do it much like this since then. You may ask, did she really sit there and allow me to do this? And the answer is YES! But you have to remember that I have been putting rubber bands or doing something to her hair since she was born. So this isn't anything new. But it did take about 15 minutes. The funny thing is, is really how many 8 month old babies do you know that can have their hair done like this?

Sorry that it is blurry.

She also got her first hair cut on Jan 9 by my cousin Keri. There was about an inch cut off. I just had her hair cut again on Easter Sunday. There was onlu about 1/4 inch this time.

Then for my other cousin Megan for her wedding day, I put her hair in sponge rollers.

Finished product. Oh, yoy may ask who is the girl holding her.

That is my brother's friend Jordyn.

Crawling and Standing Up

2010-04-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

Kennedy has been crawling since 8 months old. But I thought she would have started crawling so much faster. She got up to her hands and knees at 7 months. She just did the whole rocking thing back and forth for about month. I was a bit disappointed. Because I thought it would of happened faster than it did like I said. But now I wish she was back at the rocking and just sitting stage. Crawling though does have one benefit sometimes, is that they will follow you and you don't have to carry them everywhere. She has been pulling her self up with mine or Blake's fingers since about 5 - 6 months old. She started pulling herself up to the furniture at 8 months and walking around it. She hasn't tried to take any steps yet by herself. She loves climbing up the stairs and down the stairs and over mom or dad if we are sitting on the floor. She did learn how to climb the stairs fast. About a week of good crawling, she climbed 10 stairs all by herself. No assistance from Blake or me. Blake just stood behind her incase she fell back. Which to our surprise she didn't. She is a little monkey. I am afarid we have a climber on our hands. She just can't get to many places because she isn't tall enough to get her leg all the way up. But I love my little petite baby girl.

9 Month Pictures

2010-04-11T21:47:00.000-07:00

I know I am slow and she is growing way to fast for me too keep up. Okay I am just slow. But her our her 9 month pictures. Currently to date of this post she is 10 1/2 months old. CRAZY, but 1 just around the corner.

Look below and these ones I think she is plotting something. She looks a little mischievous. Especially the one on the top. HAHA. The one on the bottom, she is trying to look so innocent.

Snowmobiling 2010

2010-04-11T21:32:00.000-07:00

Well the last weekend or so in January we headed up to my family's our cabin. We snowmobiled in. Sometimes I think it is more fun in the winter than the summer. This is the first time in three years Blake has been able to go up with us. That was nice he was able to come with. Usually he is traveling for work the weekend majority of us can go. None of us went last year though. My mom had a hurt knee, which she got from playing the Wii. So she calls it her "Wii"knee (say it fast and it sounds like something else). And I of course was prego. The doc gave me the okay, but the weekend we were going go, it was snowing terriblely bad. iWe decided to cancel. Probably for the better. I would not have wanted to get stuck or have anything bad happen to me or the baby or any one else.

So we packed everything up that Kennedy would need to stay warm and we all bundled up. Blake included. You may even think he looks pregnant, but that is just his coat full of blankets. We, meaning I, wasn't so sure how to keep Kennedy warm and the wind off of her during the ride. But we figured it out. We had a nice time. We didn't do much up there. Mostly watched movies and slept. Sleeping is one of things Lindsay's do best. But I was able to convince my dad this year to take me for a short snowmobile ride. Because the last time we went in, he was being VERY lazy and didnt want to do anything.

Kennedy's View - She is in her fleece snowsuit, a beenie, in the BabyBjorn. I then have my t-shirt, sweatshirt, coat, and then another coat on to go around Kennedy. One maybe frying, but I was just perfect. Kennedy was so perfect she even fell asleep on the way out. Man, werent those the days, when you go out to sleep whenever and where ever you want.

I think Kennedy is really going to like snowmobiling. She is already trying out what kind of boots she wants. These are Grandpa Bart's. So they are a little big. If she needed just one, the boot just might work.

One of the coolest things we saw was a Red Fox. it is a bit hard to see but it is in the middle of the picture. It came clear down about 10 feet around from the cabin. But I had to go outside and get something and I scared it off. What you see is the fox running away.

Christmas

2010-03-21T17:40:00.000-07:00

Naughty and Nice. Well that is Miss Kennedy. She was a really good girl this year. Santa and the Grandparents SPOILED her tons. I don't know why mom and dad gave her anything. But Christmas this year was truely fun.

It was also another milestone for Kennedy. She was getting ready to crawl. She would get up on her knees and rock back and forth. So it should be no time and she will be on the move. I also noticed that she got her second tooth.

Blake and I also had a great Christmas. We didn't get what we wanted, but we got what we needed. We got a new Fridge. We would have rather had a new flat screen 50 inch TV. But you have to weigh your wants verses needs. And the needs won out. But it was the right decision. We need to store and keep food cold, especially milk for Kennedy. Because the last time I checked TV's don't keep things cold.

We are so blessed and grateful for all that we have. FAMILY ARE FOREVER.

Payzlee Turns 2!

2010-03-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

Our puppy girl turned 2 on Dec 27. She is so fun. HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAYZLEE!

The Hussle and Bussle

2010-03-21T17:29:00.000-07:00

It is that time of year. The Christmas Season. I love it so much. This year was especially fun with Kennedy. Grandma Bev and Grandpa Jack invited to Breakfast at Village in for a Christmas treat on Dec 5th. Thanks GREAT Grandma and Grandpa Morris. The family is growing big. With two more great grand children to come to them in the spring.

Another milestone for Kennedy. After breakfast we went to Blake's cousin's house. We had a filing cabinet to give to them. We took it to their house and was hanging out. While we we visiting Kennedy pulled my finger in her month. And I was like, what the crap was that strange feeling. So I rolled her over and low and behold by golly she has a tooth. She wasnt even fuzzy. She was a champ. It just appeared. I called and told my mom the exciting news. But she was like it is better for their teeth to stay under the gums as long as possible. Because it healthier for their teeth. Well, too late the tooth had a mind of it's own. I just couldn't shove it back in. But it was cute.

Then later than evening went hit the lights at Temple Square with my parents. My dad HATES going to the lights, but my loves it. I don't really mind them, but I told my dad Kennedy wanted to go see the lights and she wanted to know if him and my mom would like to come. He of course didn't want to say yes, but he will do anything for Kennedy.

This year did seem rather busy. You all probably think I am CRAZY but I still managed to work at Sportsman's several times. I see so many people when I work that I haven't seen in along time. Plus, there is so much people interaction. That is what I miss the most about Sportsman's.

Well, the day before (Dec 4) my sister-in-law and I got the kids together to get their picture taken for our mother-in-law Robyn for her birthday. She has been working on her boys since at least Blake and I have been married to get a family picture. Maybe even longer. So Liz and I took it into our own hands. Granted it is not the whole family's picture taken, but it is her grandkids. My nephew Jordan was so funny. He is a pill. Here are some of the pictures from the session. She was so excited she openned the gift up. But we already have to update when Mark and Heidi's little one arrives. But from what Liz and I taked about, we have agreed to get it updated at least once a year as the kids change.

9 Month Stats

2010-03-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

I bet you think she has grown. Well she has but not by much. Kennedy for her 9 month appt gets results:

Weight: 14 lbs 2 oz (0 percentile)

Height: 25 inches (0 percentile)

Head: 17.1 inches (30 percentile)

Poor thing is a bit on the small side. My mom told her sister, my aunt about Kennedy's stats. So Sharon asked my mom, "since she is 0% does she exist?" Well, yes she does exist. Believe it or not, but Kennedy is a little bigger than me when I was her age. My mom told me that at a year I only weighed 14 lbs. At least for now she is on the growth chart to some degree. My mom also told me that I didn't even make the growth chart. The doctor had to make one out of graph paper to track my growth. HAHA

6 Months Stats

2010-01-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

Kennedy's Stat's for 6 months

Height: 24 inches (4%)

Weight: 13 lbs 4 oz (5%)

Head: 16.5 inches (33%)

So she only keeps going down on the charts. But for her she is still getting bigger. At least she makes the charts. That is more than what her mother ever did.

I called my mom after the appointment and was telling her the results. And I made the comment that she only keeps going down toward the bottom. She then told me that my doctor got out some graph paper and I had my own personalized chart. I didn't even make the charts.

Thanksgiving and Black Friday

2009-12-22T21:09:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving was such a great day and we are so thankful for everything. We are so blessed with just even the small stuff, but very important -- Family and Friends. Since this past year has been rocky for some, we are very fortnate. My sister-in-law Liz was talking with one of her daughters. Because I think Brooke was asking why they couldn't do something. And Liz replied with we need to spend our money carefully. Brooke asked why? Liz went onto explain in langauge a child would understand, that times are tought right now. You are very lucky, because you have a mommy and daddy that both work. There are some family that only the mom or dad work, and some that neither parent are working. My hearts go to those families. Not that they weren't living right, but I tell Blake all the time we need to keep doing the right things, so good things keep happening. We will all have trials to learn and grow. But Blake and I are very blessed. Thanks for all the friendships we have created and hope to continue them all.

Thanksgiving was a sad day though. It was our turn to spend the dinner portion of the day with my side of the family. Which works great for both sides of the family. Because all of my side is all together and all of Blake's side is all together. Because we were eating dinner with my family we thought we should go down early to see Blake's parents in the morning. It was a nice drive. Only because I was asleep as usual. Needless to say Blake drives. But when I am driving I do stay awake. Anyway...We got down to his parents about 10. Just shortly after being there, we got a call from my mom with sad news. About 9 o'clock my dad was in the barn with the dogs. And he was taking a cooler or something to put away up to the loft area in the barn. Well, the dogs followed him up there, which this isn't the first time. So it was nothing new to them. My mom said my dad told "Farlery don't you fall." And about a few minutes later he did. It is about a 10 foot loft. And just to the side of the stairs my dad had an old couch. Farley's back in between his ribs and hips hit the arm rest of the couch. He got up, but my dad knew he was hurt. He thought maybe he had just broke some ribs and he knew he needed to get Farley to the vet ASAP. Farley was still walking, but by the time the vet took at look at him the paralysis and shock was setting in. Because of the injury he had to be put to sleep. This is one of the hardest things things that we have dealt with in the family when it comes to animals. Reason being is that we haven't ever had to put an animal down because they were sick or hurt. It has so far until Farley been because of old age we have had to put down the other animals or they have passed on their own. Farley was a cute dog. We will miss those puppy eyes and his tenderness. He is running around with all our other animals that have gone before. It was an unfortnate accident but a blessing. You see because, in September I had to take my mom and dad's other dog Pork to be but down. He was 16 years old. Which is incredibley old of a lab/german shorthair mix. Pork and Farley were the best of friends. They had been together for like 12 or 13 years. Farley also had asthma and he froze in the winter and he missed Pork. When you would walk out to say hi, you could hear Farley's teeth just chattering. The dogs lived in what I consider the Hilton for Dogs. My dad had and still has for Dakota an infrared heater in the dog run. So they didn't live too shabby. So Pork (dog) and Beans (cat), Farley (dog), Max (dog), Bandit (dog), Norman (goat), Eddie (goat), Star (horse), Snaffles (horse), and Frisco (horse) are all together again.

The rest of Thanksgiving Day was very sober, but super nice. Dinner and Dessert were delicious. Thanks to all the cooks.

We made our plans for the next day for Black Friday Sales. Now, I didn't quite experience anything like Josh and Kayla Farr did last year. But I do admit I had some anxitey. My mom dropped my off and she went to park. I set out for the adventure. There was a Cabbage Patch doll at Wal-Mart that I wanted for Kennedy. After asking where they would be I located the general area. I saw a girl that had one. And I asked her "where did you get that?" She replied "on that isle." Pointing beind her. So I went down that isle with a sea of people. And it was gone, no Cabbage Patch to be found. I eneded up seeing this cute train that swirled and dropped the balls. It was cute and a good price. And then my mom called "and was like where are you?" I replied. She was like "I am in front of the Cabbage Patches." And low and behold there were the Cabbage Patches. Plenty to choose from. And the anxitey went aways. Ahhh....So much that girl was for directions. She tried. I do have to admit when I walked into Wal-Mart I was very surprised on how full people's carts were. Dumbie me did not realize how this whole thing works. We got all the stuff and then some needed at Wal-Mart. We had all the items we needed by 20 after 5:00. Which isnt bad and we could have been out of there sooner, but people are retarded. We waited in line for over 45 minutes. Not because the line were so long, but because people crowded in line some where along the way. Once we saw what was going on when we got the front of the line (so we didnt crowd it front of others), we cruised into a middle check out line and we were out of there in a matter of mintues. We then made our way to Sportsman's, Target, Shopko, and Bed, Bath, & Beyound. Talk about a crazy place. Target in my opinion looked worse that Wal-Mart. I heard they had over 2 hour wait in line to check out. Talk about CRAZY!!! Wal-Mart was definitely not that bad. It was a fun day. I Don't know if I can do the 5:00 am thing again, but only time will tell in the years to come.

Halloween

2009-12-22T21:08:00.001-08:00

Kennedy’s and Payzlee's First HaLloWeeN!

Okay so don't think I am a dork. But most of you probably will. My mom and Grandma Connie were out shopping one day. (One of the things we all do best together.) And they were in Old Navy. But for those of you who don't know, they have some of the cutest Halloween costumes for kids and babies. My mom in their travels cames acrossed a chicken and a bee costume. I didn't want her to buy it until i saw it first. She put them on hold and we went back together later that afternoon. I couldn't decide which one. Of course, I purchased them both. Obviously she can't wear the both of them, so I took them home for Blake to help decide. When I got home he was sad that I didn't take him to find her costume. But while, we were at Old Navy we saw they had dog costumes too. I normally, wouldn't do this, but it was too hard to resist not to because one of the costumes they had for dogs was a bee costume. I purchased the costume for Payzlee. Because how cute would it bee (haha) for Kennedy and Payzlee to both bee bees. (HAHA) So that is what they were. Blake though thought it would be cute if we could find a flower for Kennedy and Payzlee still bee the bee. But no luck in finding one her size.

Blake, Jordan, Payzlee, Kristin, Brooke, & Katilyn

Thinking

2009-10-10T22:02:00.001-07:00

Now if my mom reads the title she will die. Because our family motto is Tigger's saying of
"Think, Think, Think". But I have been thinking of how blessed I am. I have a wonderful husband and a precious daughter and great family members on both sides. Who could ask for anything more? I know we have at least one more to join the family. Which is not anytime soon. So don't be thinking I am announcing something. But if there is one more besides that we shall see. It is too early to tell.

Life is beautiful. So I was reading my friend Whitney's blog (venable's link). She posted about a sad story of Brianna. It is about a child abuse case of a 5 month old baby. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. As Kennedy nears 5 months, I just can't image why any one would do such an awful thing. Babies are so helpless. They put all their trust in us as their caregiver. They are so defenseless as well. We are suppose to protect them, not beat them to death. These kind of people should have their due punishment. It makes me think about all those families who are out their trying so hard to have a baby and can't. And then families who have children them selves or others beats a child. It makes you wonder why God would send such a precious thing to that family knowing the fate of that child. Maybe it was his or her test. But what a terrible one to experience. That is what our agency is for to make our choices. And we need to trust and put our faith in the Lord because he is all knowing.

As for more happier thoughts, we have started Kennedy on rice cereal. And oh boy, does she love eating it. I hope that she continues to be a good eater. If you talk with my mom, I was and pretty much still am a picky eater. I have learned and been more daring to try new things. But I have my limits. Blake on the other hand eats pretty much anything is site. I haven't yet in our married life see him not try something. But there is always a first. I guess you get used to trying weird things while serving a mission. Because from what he has said there are many times you don't ask what you are eating. I just couldn't do that. I have to know. And always wanting to know what is going on leaves no room for surprise. Which Blake sure tries awfully hard to do. And I LOVE it when he does surprise me. I just do not like the unknown. But we in the unknown every day.

Best Friends

2009-10-01T20:16:00.001-07:00

So my really good friend Whitney had a baby girl in Aug. You wouldn't think so. You would like she had a baby about the time Kennedy was born. But what do you expect, when we gave nothing for Kennedy to work with. But Kennedy and Reagan are already the best of friends. And Saige and Savannah are Kennedy's friends already too. Savannah makes sure Kennedy always has her binky. Saige likes to sit in Kennedy's Bumbo, which might I add is one of the best things that we use with Kennedy. I have been putting her in that thing since she was about 3 weeks old.

Reagan and Kennedy holding hands

Saige, Reagan, Kennedy, & Savannah

Best Friends

2009-10-01T20:16:00.000-07:00

So my really good friend Whitney had a baby girl in Aug. You wouldnt think so. You would like she is as old or older than Kennedy. But what do you expect, when we gave nothing for Kennedy to work with. But Kennedy and Reagan are already the best of friends.

4 Months Old

2009-09-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

Here are her 4 month old pictures. We took her to Kiddie Kandids, because we had a gift card. I have decided that Kennedy doesn't like her pictures taken. These were the ONLY two pictures we got. But they still are cute. Granted I am bias. I didn't have time to photo shop them. I am lucky I am publishing a few posts. So sorry for the black in the first picture.

Kennedy's First

2009-09-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

Well, last sunday, Sept 20 was a milestone for Kennedy. She rolled over for the first time. It was pretty awesome. I almost missed it. We were at my aunt uncle's house for his birthday party. We all went inside. Blake put Kennedy on her belly and wouldn't you know, she rolled over. She did it twice. I thought it was so cool.

As the week progressed she didn't roll over again. That little "poopers" as Blake likes to call her. In the mean time we took Kennedy for her 4 month old appt. She has a clean bill of health. But we didn't need the doctor to tell us we had a short kid. The nurse measured Kennedy. And when Dr. Evans came in he gave us her stats.

Height: 23 inces - 9%
Weight: 11 lbs 8 oz - 8%

Head: 16 inces round - 39%

So she isn't the biggest kid. But she is such a cutie pie.

And what do you expect when her parents didn't give her much to work with.

Also, while we were at my aunt and unlce's Kennedy had her first ice cream cone. And boy did she love it. She acted like a pro. She grabbed the cone with both hands and took it straight to her month. I was impressed. We haven't even introduced any foods to her until now. Well, at least Blake and I haven't given her adult food yet. But there are those that are out there that know who you are, because I am sure you have given her little taste here and there. (Karen) Check out her first ice cream.

She is concentrating just a little bit. But she sure enjoyed the ice cream.

Blake's First Elk

2009-09-27T16:45:00.000-07:00

Blake's First Elk

Blake went archey Elk hunting this year and got his first elk. His is pretty stoked. I am too, because now we have meat in the freezer. He shot this on Labor Day Monday. So yes he shot it at the first of the month, but I havent had any time to blog. I havent had time to even clean the house. But I have a GREAT husband who is understanding during the month of Sept. He has help out TONS. So has quite a few other people. THANKS for everyone's help. Without friends and family I would be going nuts.

Blake and his bro Kevin Blake Sept 2009

CONGRATS to Blake. Thanks to Ryan and Kevin for helping.

Blanket Time

2009-08-23T18:56:00.000-07:00

For those of you who, don't know when Kennedy is really mad or really tired you can put the blanket to her and she will calm right down. And yes, she will fall asleep. Life is good. But I have caught her a few times during her naps where she has pulled the blanket completely over her face. You make think that we are bad parents. But what are we to do, when that is what she likes. I think it is kinda funny personally.

Getting Big

2009-08-23T18:24:00.000-07:00

Well, this last week Kennedy turned 3 mths old. Man does time fly. Maybe I am basis, but I think we have the CUTEST kid ever.

So my mom got this idea from a cute girl that used to work for her Kami. So I have tried to be on top of it of taking pictures with this stuffed bunny rabbit. Here is Kennedy getting bigger.

7 days old

15 days old

(Sorry about the blurry pic. But look at that hair stand straight up)

4 wks old

8 wks old

(Man, look at that SMILE)

3 Mths Old

(She LOVES her blanket.)

Pictures of Kennedy

2009-08-10T19:55:00.000-07:00

Back to Work

2009-08-10T19:04:00.001-07:00

Well, I headed back to work today. We took Kennedy to daycare. We were referred to this really nice lady named Brenda. She lives about five minutes west of us. She is really nice.

Work for Kristin - Well...I was a bit lost. I felt like it was the first day on the job again. Didnt know really were to start. But i am sure by the end of the week I wont skip a beat. When we dropped Kennedy off I didnt even cry. Thinking I was doing really good about having everything we started talking about feeding her. I then remembered, crap her bottles. Man what was I thinking. The poor girl will want to eat. So Blake went back home and I headed off to work.

Work for Blake - When I got home I asked how his work day went. He said he probably got more done today that he has the 3 months. I told him, I love you too. But he did say it was quite weird and quiet around the house. Because not only am I gone, but Kennedy too.

Daycare for Kennedy - The report was she got a little fuzzy and she didnt eat well. She was adjusting I think. I hope tomorrow goes better. I did call Brenda to check on her and she said she was doing good. But when Blake picked her up, the assistant told Blake that they burrito wrap her and feed her in her car seat. She is making the adjustment. Hopefully tomorrow goes better.

Finally Did It!!

2009-08-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I finally did it. I created a blog. I will be learning. But so far what I have done, this is complicated. I am probably making it too hard. But we will give it a go. More to come.

New Addition

2009-08-05T15:41:00.001-07:00

Well, a lot has happened to the Stoker Krew this summer. First off in the middle of May we had a beautiful daughter. Her name is Kennedy Jade. She was born at 5:35 AM, on Tuesday, 19 May 2009. She was 6 lbs 15 oz and 19 1/2 inches. WOW was she born with a TON of hair! Kennedy was born on the most popoular day in Utah to be born on. The most common day to be born on for the rest of the US is Wednesday and the least common day to be born on is Sunday (which I was born on).

We went to the hospital at 9:30 PM on monday night hoping that they wouldnt tell me I had to go home. I was already a 3 whne we got there. By an hour later I was to a 4. Then by 1:30 AM on the 19th I was to a 10. I dilated to a 10 in 20 minutes, which is rather fast for a first pregnancy. My doctor had me push for about an hour and no luck and no baby. Kennedy was either too big or my bones were too small. She wasnt going to come out normal, so I had to have a C-Section. I was in the operating room at seems like 5:15 AM and had a baby at 5:35 AM.

Here is a picture of the proud father and his new bundle of JOY! (Don't worry the cigar is just chocolate.) After getting to our room it was off to the races. It was an all day marathon of visitors. It was great to see everyone welcome our new baby girl. The first visitor was my brother. He beat everyone there and was the first to hold her out of any of the family. Which my mother was not happy about, but she should have hurried quicker.
I was a bit tired from being up pretty much all night so even when the visitors were there, I took a snooze. They weren't really there to see me any way. They were there to see Kennedy.

Man was Blake like the energizer bunny. He did not sleep a wink. He was up for 40 plus hours. Finally he did get so shut eye. He is a great husband and now a GREAT father. He was so attentive to all my needs. He was right there to help with Kennedy since I couldn't move that fast. I appreciate all he love, help, and support.