McBride

2011-08-23T21:45:00.000-07:00

Yes Dacia I did update my blog...well just the picture of my kids. I thought it would be appropriate to add Kodi to our blog since she has now been part of our family for a year!

2010-09-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

I have a friend who is doing a great giveaway on her blog....go check it out.
www.theprettypoppy1.blogspot.com

Blessings

2009-11-16T15:30:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking a lot lately about all the blessing that our family has received in the last year. It was one year ago yesterday that Taylor and Sydney were in a car accident, and Taylor was critically injured. Looking back at the pictures of Taylor when she first entered the NICU to now made me realized how blessed our family has been. I am so thankful that she was able to make a full recovery, and for the time that her and my mom where able to live with us while she was in outpatient rehab. Taylor is so much fun to have around and I just can't imagine what our life would be like without her in it.

The above picture is a typical picture of Taylor being Taylor!!
This is Taylor in rehab not to long after she woke up from her 1 1/2 week coma. She loved when Brynli would come to visit her.

This is Taylor with Emery, Carli, and Saydie.

We love you Taylor and are so blessed to have you in our lives!!!

Carving the pumpkins

2009-11-02T10:01:00.000-08:00

This last week was so busy that we didn't get our pumpkins carved in time for Halloween, but the kids insisted on still carving them. The kids had a blast even though it was the day after Halloween.
Brynli missed her nap and was extremely grouchy so this is the only picture we got of her carving her pumpkin.

Carli's pumpkin is a haunted house and Cole's is a mummy! I thought they turned out pretty good.

Happy Halloween!!

2009-11-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Yes I know it has been for ever since I posted last, so this is to everyone who has waited at least 6 months for me to update my blog! This is of Carli and her best friend Lola, they are pretty much inseparable. Got to love Carli's big cheesy grin!!
The kids were so excited that Qwincy got to come spend Halloween with us this year!
Carli was such a cute little fairy!!

I kind of talked Cole into being a football player, because we already had all the stuff. When it got closer to Halloween I started feeling a little guilty about not letting him choose, so I told him he could choose something else if he wanted to. Cole turns to me and says can I be a dead football player with blood on my face. I just had to laugh cause that is so Cole. I think his costume turned out pretty cool thanks to Chad!!

Here is our super cute ladybug! She made sure that we didn't miss one house. When it comes to candy she doesn't mess around.

Joelle's Bridal Shower

2009-05-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

LeeAnne, Ashley, Mom, and I threw Joelle a bridal shower on Valentines Day! This is Joelle in her cute and sexy robe that Shelly and Shannon gave her!
Joelle didn't want a veil until she saw the one Ashley and I made for her! Yes we are taking orders!!

Another sister down and only two more to go!

Ballet recital

2009-05-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Here is Carli in her ballet outfit. Doesn't she make a cute ballerina!!!

Why is it so fun to give people bunny ears?
I have a cute video of her recital, but I can't get it to upload. If anyone knows what I am doing wrong let me know.

Making Valentine cookies

2009-05-19T10:20:00.000-07:00

Cole decorating his cookie.
Carli's master piece!

Now I know why she is such a Daddy's girl!!!!

It was so nice having my mom live with us for a few months. She is a lot better at making sugar cookies than I am. Carli and Brynli had so much fun helping Grandma cut out all the hearts.

Super Bowl

2009-05-19T10:03:00.000-07:00

Dacia's mother-in-law made this cake for the super bowl. I was quite impressed.

We looked and looked for shirts for the kids but never did find any, so Chad and Brandon decided to make shirts for the kids. They were up till like 1 in the morning making the shirts, and I think they did a pretty good job.

Not only was it super bowl Sunday it was also Qwincy's blessing day. She looked beautiful, but I didn't get any pictures of her in her white dress.

The only way we could get Brynli to sit for the picture was to let her touch the baby.

January/Monster Truck Jam!

2009-05-19T09:24:00.000-07:00

Chad has been wanting to take Cole to a Monster Truck jam since Spokane, and in January they were finally able to go. Marshall, Jayden, and Mitch came and went with Chad, Cole and Carli. They all had tons of fun!!

Pay it forward!

2009-04-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

So, here's how this game works-the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive, at some point during the year, a handmade gift from me. What it will be and when it will arrive is a total surprise! The catch is that you must participate as well. Before you leave your comment, write up a pay it forward post on your blog to keep the fun going (or be lazy and copy and paste like I did). Then come back, let me know you're going to play and sit back and anticipate the arrival of your gift!

New Years at the Cabin!

2009-01-28T12:56:00.000-08:00

Chad's parents cabin still had a lot of snow by the time we got up there. Grandpa and the kids decided to make a sled so they could sled down the hill behind the cabin. I'm not to sure that it ever really worked that well, but the kids still had a lot of fun with it.
The kids swinging.

Cole an Carli getting ready for their first time ever sledding.

Brynli loved sledding, as soon as they would reach the bottom she would say more!

Cole and Grandpa attempting to go down standing up!

Christmas 2008

2009-01-28T11:45:00.000-08:00

It is always fun to watch Cole open presents, because he get so excited about everything that he gets.
Carli had asked Santa for a cupcake maker, a bike, and a jam and jam barbie car. Santa brought everything but the jam and jam car. Carli came out so excited to see her bike and her cupcake maker. After looking all around the Christmas tree and couches she sadly looked at us and said where is my barbie car. Cole proceeded to tell her that Santa doesn't always bring everything we ask for, and Carli looks at Chad and says maybe he left it outside. It was the saddest thing I have ever seen.

Brynli is constantly pushing our trash can around the house, so Santa thought that she would really enjoy a shopping cart. So do you think that she wants to push the shopping cart? Of course not, she climbs inside and yells for someone to come push her around the house! She does still enjoy pushing the trash can around the house though.

We had a nice quite Christmas with just our little family this year. We have enjoyed making our own family traditions. On Christmas eve we make a gingerbread house , have big daddys for dinner, look at Christmas lights, read the Christmas story, write letters for Santa, open new pajamas, leave a coke, twist and cookies for Santa, put stockings out and then the kids head for bed. Then I drink eggnog all by myself, because nobody else likes it. Christmas the kids have to wait till Chad has the video camera all set up and then they can come down the stairs to see what Santa has left for them. After we open presents we have twist and hot cocoa. Then I make enchiladas for Christmas dinner.

Our weekend getaway!

2008-12-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

One of Chad's old mission companions invited us to go with them to see the lighting of the tree in Prescott the first weekend in December. We stayed at a cabin just outside of Flagstaff and then on Saturday we drove to Prescott to see the lights. We had a much needed relaxing weekend. The kids had tons of fun playing with friends all weekend. Thanks Sean and Lynsee for the fun weekend.

Taylor is Home!

2008-12-28T19:32:00.000-08:00

The weekend of Dec 13 Taylor's Doctors decided to let her have weekends off. She was able to leave Saturday after her therapy and be back by 9:00 that night and then she could leave Sunday morning and have all day Sunday off, but she would have to be back that night by 9:00. The first weekend she had off we went to see the temple lights on Saturday night and then on Sunday she was able to come with our family to church. After church Taylor stayed at our house for a little while and read to Brynli, who is her absolute favorite, and watch a movie with Cole and Carli. It was nice to see her out of the hospital even if it was just for a short time. The Doctors told my mom that they would let Taylor leave the Hospital on Christmas day so we planned on having Taylor and the rest of my family here with us for Christmas. About one week before Christmas, Taylor's Christmas wish came true when they told her they were going to release her from the hospital on Christmas Eve. Taylor was so excited to be able to go home to Eagar. We were a little sad that they wouldn't be here with us, but we were way excited to see her go home. Taylor and Mom will come live with us after the new year, so Taylor can start her outpatient rehab. Taylor isn't to excited about starting rehab again, but she is thrilled about coming and staying with Brynli.

This is Emery, Carli, and Saydie with Taylor in her hospital room.
My kids loved going and playing Uno and Guess Who with their aunt Taylor.
This was the cutest! Brynli loved to go to the hospital and hangout with Taylor on her bed. Brynli was sharing her chips with Taylor even though she wasn't yet able to have solids yet. Taylor really enjoyed the salt off of the chips.

Thanksgiving Day.

2008-11-29T22:37:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving was a little different this year being that we had it at the hospital, but it was nice that we were able to be with family. My mom was able to reserve one of the hospitals conference rooms for our Thanksgiving dinner, and thanks Shelley for getting us all the food! The kids were finally able to go back to see their aunt Taylor, and was Taylor ever excited to see them. She is not able to show any expressions on her face yet but as soon as the kids came in she started to wave at them. She was even more excited to see Brynli. Every time Taylor would look at Brynli she would start waving, and then she put her hand up and gave her a high five. It made our day and I think Taylor's too. Taylor also got her drainage tube removed from her head which allowed her to be moved out of the PICU yesterday. We were happy that moving meant she is making progress, but sad that we will no longer have Sarah as her nurse. Taylor still has a long road ahead but we have faith that the outcome will be a good one. Taylor will start her rehab on Monday and we can hardly wait to see the changes it will bring. Thank you to all who have been praying for Taylor and our family!

Update on Taylor

2008-11-26T20:58:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was a really good day for our family and Taylor. She was able to finally get her intubation tube removed. They also took her off of her sedation so she was actually able to open her eyes, and she waved at my dad, Shad, and Sydney. Today when I went to see her she waved and shook my hand. When we asked her if she would wave to Chad she shook her head no, but she did give him a thumbs up! She made my Dad's day by doing their little wave that they do to each other. Way to go Taylor!

Tay Tay we miss you!

2008-11-24T11:48:00.000-08:00

A week ago last Saturday my two youngest sisters Sydney and Taylor and Taylors two friends were in a car accident. Taylor had to be flown to St. Joe's Hospital in Phoenix because of head trauma. She has been there for just over a week now and not much has changed, but she hasn't gone backwards which is good. We are hoping that this week we will start to see some good changes. We really miss you Tay Tay and hope that you will be able to wake up soon!

Halloween!

2008-11-04T10:09:00.000-08:00

Brynli decided that she was going to ride in the trunk with all the candy. She was not about to let it out of her sight for a second.
By the end of the night Brynli had had enough of the bumble bee costume.

She was so cute walking up to the door with her bucket.

By the end of the night her bucket was pretty heavy, but she was not going to let anyone help her with it.

Last year Brynli didn't want anything to do with her costume, but this year she was so excited to put it on. Halloween was a little warm this year, but over all it was fun.

Trick-or-treat

2008-11-04T09:43:00.000-08:00

This is a view of Brynli's costume from the side. I love the stinger!

Carli's favorite thing she received was her green vampire teeth. Pretty scary!!

Carli and Emery trick or treating. They had lots of fun together.

Here is our storm trooper. I have never met a kid that was so into star wars.

Carving the pumpkins!!

2008-10-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

So I thought it would be fun to have the boys carve a pumpkin and the girls carve one. I also thought it would be fun to have everyone who reads our blog vote on their favorite pumpkin. I know the pictures aren't the best, but hopefully you can tell what they are.

Carli took this picture. I thought she did a pretty good job.

So for family home evening we carved our pumpkins and decorated cupcakes. The kids are funny because they beg to carve pumpkins but when it comes time to take the seeds out they don't want any part of it. Last year they helped but they had to plug their nose with one hand while scooping the seeds out with the other one. Once the seeds are out then they want to help again. We had a lot of fun, but I think I will leave the carving to
Chad next year!

Trip to the Zoo!

2008-10-27T08:18:00.001-07:00

While Cole was on fall break we decided to go to the zoo. I was trying to get everyone to sit still long enough that I could take a picture and I looked over at Carli and she had her finger up the orangutan's nose. So JoJo of course decided to join in the fun. I love that Joelle is always willing to come lend a hand when she has a day off of school.

This is Cole with his good friend Ryan who was moving away to Utah. Cole is really going to miss him! Their favorite part was that the zoo finally got a new jaguar!

The kids had more fun in this cave than looking at the animals.

Here they are going to look at the giraffeThis is Cole in nutshell!

Benefit Dinner

2008-10-24T12:00:00.000-07:00

On October 11 I was able to attend a benefit dinner for my uncle Steven who was diagnosed with a brain tumor about 5weeks ago. I was so touched by the kindness and generosity of the people of Eagar. There were some many people who not only donated things for the auction, but donated there time to make it happen. Maybe moving back to a small town wouldn't be so bad!

Carli and Emery enjoying one of the many cupcakes they ate that night.Cole, Chesley, and Jackson with their cupcakes.

Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins helping make the dinner.

This is my dad helping out.

The Happiest Place On Earth!

2008-10-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Carli was so excited when she finally was able to meet Snow White, Cinderella, and Princess Aurora.
I loved this picture of the kids with Stitch. Stitch was Coles favorite when he was little.

Here we are with Pluto!!

Carli was trying to get Tiger to sign her book but instead she got to take a walk with him. It was the cutest thing ever!

Here we are with Tawni, DeWy, Brock, and Britton. After we went to Sea World we headed to Disneyland for 3 days. We took the kids to Disney World when we lived in Florida and they have been asking to go back ever since. When they found out we were going to Disneyland they could hardly wait to get there. Cole loved the big rides at Disney World but for some reason we had a really hard time getting him back on those rides this time. I had fun because I wasn't prego this time so I was actually able to ride the fun rides. We had lots of fun and can hardly wait to go back!

Sea World/Newport Beach

2008-10-24T09:57:00.001-07:00

Tuesday after Labor Day we packed our bags and met our friends Tawni and DeWy in Newport Beach, and then on Wednesday we drove to Sea World. Newport was beautiful, and the kids loved the beach. Cole and Carli have really missed the beach since we left Florida so they were in heaven. I was really excited about Sea World, because it was our first time taking the kids. Brynli loved having Britton there to play with.

Cole and Carli were excited to go see Shamu, but Cole was the only one who wanted to sit in the soak zone. He thought it would be so awesome to get splashed by Shamu. I told him that if he wanted to sit in the soak zone he had to sit by himself. I didn't think there was any way that he was going to sit there by himself but he did and he loved it. He was so cute sitting down there doing the Shamu splash sign. Being soaked by Shamu made his day!

This is Cole and Carli petting an alligator.

Cole loves to play in the ocean.

Cole, Carli, and Broc could hardly wait to get to the beach!!

It's reunion time again!

2008-10-17T09:52:00.000-07:00

Labor Day weekend is our Brown family reunion every year. This year Danny and Fonda were in charge and they decided to make it a pirate theme. Fonda planned out lots of activities for the kids. Everyone got a pirate name, but of course I can't remember all my kids names. Our crew was the Kealhaul Kristen Crew. The kids loved being pirates, and spending lots of time with their cousins. Thanks Fonda for planning such a fun reunion. Brynli made such a cute pirate!
Here is Carli and Emery in the three legged race.Cole and Carli all dressed up and ready for the pretty pirate contest!
The best part was watching my dad and his brothers and sisters doing there skit they put together. Yes Steven was the best part of it all. I have tried to put a video on here, but for some reason I can't get it to post.
Here is my mom and dad, Joelle, and Sydney dressed up for the pretty pirate contest also.

10 reasons we love Brynli!

2008-10-06T10:58:00.000-07:00

1. She is the best baby!

2. She thinks she is funny/which makes her even more funny!

3. She is so cute when she scrunches her nose.

4. When you ask her a question she moves her mouth like she is answering but nothing comes out.

5. If there is music she is dancing.

6. If her dad has food she has to sit on his lap and eat with him, even if she just got done eating.

7. She loves to bring me books to read to her.

8. Her daddy's water bottle is her favorite thing to drink from.

9. She wont talk, but she looks dang cute doing her sign language.

10. Her blanky and bed are her two favorite things when she is tired.

11. Last but not least she gives the sweetest hugs and kisses.

2008-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Thanks Cole, Carli, and TayTay for helping decorate for Brynli's party! They all got to make a bee to hang up.

Brynli's 1st Birthday!

2008-10-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

On July 27th Brynli turned 1, and because her nickname is bumble bee I decided to make her a bumble bee cake. She was not to interested in eating the cake, which is funny, because she is my kid who will eat anything! After she got done nicely picking the flowers off she decided to eat the black frosting. She looked so cute by the time she was done with her cake. Ashley this scrunch face picture is for you!!!

The big 30!!!

2008-10-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

Yes on July 18th Chad turned 30! I put together a little party for him, but I was so busy having fun that I forgot to take pictures. Happy 30th Birthday Chad, I love you.

2008-10-06T10:06:00.000-07:00

Cole and Carli love going to Grandpa and Grandma McBrides cabin. Roasting marshmallows and making smores is the kids favorite things to do. Grandpa enjoys taking the kids fishing even if all they catch is a big water dog.

4th of July

2008-10-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

Yes I know it is October, but I just started my blog and wanted to post about everything that happened with our little family this past summer. For the Fourth of July we went and stayed at Chad's parents cabin in Nutrioso, and during the day would go into Eagar to be with my family. It was nice to be able to spend time with both of our families. Cole and Carli love the parade, but most of all they love to be with all their cousins. Every year for the Fourth me and my sister and mom all go and get our toes done. This is the second year that Carli has gone with us and now she is hooked. If I ever go to get my toes done she thinks she needs hers done too.

My 27th birthday!

2008-10-06T09:15:00.000-07:00

Chad and I were able to have a little weekend vacation by ourselves for my birthday. Thanks mom and Taylor for watching the kids for us. On Wed. night we drove to Flagstaff. The next morning Chad took me to the mall to do some shopping. Did I mention that I love shopping! Then we headed to St. George to see some of our Law school friends. We had a lot of fun, but it made me realize how much I miss all of our friends from Law school. Then when we got home our kids and my mom and Taylor surprised me with a cake and a little party. Cole and Carli were so excited for me to see my cake and presents, it was so cute! The weekend away was really nice, but it was nice to come home to my sweet kids.

10 reasons I love Carli!

2008-10-06T09:05:00.000-07:00

1. She talks like she is 20, and has done so since she was about 1.

2. She doesn't let anyone tell her what to do.

3. She loves to take her Book of Mormon everywhere with her.

4. She doesn't want me to pick out her clothes.

5. She loves to go shopping! (that's my girl)

6. She loves being a big sister, even to her big brother!

7. She is all about shoes.

8. She loves her Daddy.

9. She thinks helping me fold clothes is the best thing in the world.

10. She loves to cuddle and suck her thumb.

The Cake!!!!

2008-10-05T21:35:00.001-07:00

I had no idea that this cake was going to end up being life size. Thanks to Ash and Taylor for helping me. This cake was a lot of fun to make. The tutu started out as cotton candy but by morning it had disintegrated and I had to make her a real tutu. I love making cakes for my kids birthdays! My friend Tawni thinks I am amazing because I make these cakes, but I keep telling her if I can do it anyone can. Just go to familyfun.com and they have all different kinds of cakes and step by step instructions on how to do it.

Ballerina party!

2008-10-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

Carli loves pretending to be a ballerina , so when I asked her what kind of party she wanted we were not at all surprised when she said a ballerina party. Taylor and I made tutus for all the little girls, and also for me and her. When the girls arrived they each got a tutu to decorate with jewels and a bag with lip gloss and a tiara. Then when they were all ready, my niece Jordan and her friend Claire came all the way from Safford to teach the girls a little dance. Carli and the other girls were is heaven the whole time. It turned out to be lots of fun. Even Brynli got a tutu to wear.

Top 10 reasons I love Cole!

2008-10-05T20:48:00.000-07:00

1. He loves to make new friends.

2. He loves to have fun.

3. He loves to have family home evening.

4. He loves his moms and dads kisses.

5. He is an awsome big brother.

6. He has the worlds greatest imagination.

7. When we play games he has to win, even if it means cheating a little.

8. He can't wait to get to heaven so he can meet the Crocodile Hunter.

9. He is ALWAYS right!!!

10. No matter how tuff he seems, at the end of the day he still loves to cuddle with mom and dad!

The big party!

2008-10-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

Cole wanted to have a water party, so a water party we had. The kids played on the big slide for probably a good 3 hours. Notice Cole's face as he is opening his gifts. I don't think I have ever seen anyone get this excited about every present they receive. He has gotten this excited over his presents every year since he was about two.

2008-10-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

This is Cole's cake from the front. The face didn't turn out quite right so I ended mixing a couple different kinds of dinosaurs.

Playing catch up !

2008-10-05T20:08:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Cole! Cole turned 6 on May 24, wow time has sure gone by fast. One thing I love doing for my kids on their birthdays is making a cake of their choice. This year Cole decided on a dinosaur cake. I had a lot of fun making this cake but have a long way to go on learning how to work with fondant.

I have finally done it!!

2008-09-24T20:09:00.000-07:00