Thankful for THEM!

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Sweet things...

So I kind of have a lot of catching up to do. Let’s just say October was a rather difficult month and we are gettin’ through every day right now. A quick update on what’s been going on: Halloween is over, (YAY) oops did I say that out loud! I’m really not a huge fan, but all of the fall festivities have been enjoyable for the kiddies. Max was a vampire, Cici, snow white; and Samson, an overgrown frog! I think they dressed up for about 5 different events from story time at the library, to PARTIES, to preschool, to Trick or Treating etc. etc, so I was glad when Halloween night came to a close. Anyway, movin on to my title…I’ve just captured some really great moments in my brain lately and wanted to write them down so I will never forget them.

First, Frank…my sweetheart who works so hard to support our little family took some time out this past weekend to fill his wife’s “love tank”! (Five Love Languages) I was in tears and poured out my thoughts and concerns on him and he took action. I’ve just been feeling inadequate in every aspect of my life lately so Frank created an excel spreadsheet that we are going to laminate called “Our Plan of Happiness.” It has a schedule for me to fill in my spiritual, physical, mental and emotional needs. I am so happy that he did this for me. I asked him why he chose the “Our Plan of Happiness” title when it’s my schedule and he said, “When Mom’s happy everyone’s happy,”…SO TRUE! Thanks Babe…I sure love you!

Next, Max…not only did the boy turn 5, but he has melted my heart a couple times lately. We had a little Family Night lesson geared towards gratitude the other night and he said the sweetest thing. We were making a paper chain countdown to Thanksgiving about things that we are thankful for and one of his was, “I AM THANKFUL THAT WE ARE HAPPY IN OUR LIVES!” I loved it, so simple, pure and beautiful. If only I could think like a child again!

Moving on to Cici girl…she is now 3 as of Monday. I can’t believe it! I love that girl more than she’ll ever know. I feel so privileged to have her in our lives. Lately she’s been not wiping off her kisses so that I won’t get sad! Funny girl. I love love love her sweet voice…she’s becoming quite the conversationalist.

Last but definitely not least…Samson (AKA: Sammy boy, Chunksters, Babers etc. etc.) I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS BOY! He is someone special. I often wonder if his spirit is much older than mine. He is beyond close to walking, still does not have any teeth, but is happy anyway. He should win a snuggling contest…he lays his head on your shoulder, full on squeezes both sets of squishy fingers around you and pats your back. It’s the BEST! If you ever need a “pick me up” come on over!

I am SO grateful for these “sweet things” I’ve been blessed with in my life!

I’ve lost my camera…pictures to come soon! (thanks for those of you who have been snapping pictures for me while I’m finding mine)

HELP!

Wow...this has been quite the trying month. First the passing of my sweet Grandpa and now Frank's cousin Naki just passed away. I can't even tell you how hard this has been. Really the one thing that keeps us going is the knowledge we have, that our families will be together forever.

Naki's passingwas very unexpected, he was 32 and the amazing husband to Abby and father to 6 beautiful girls. This family is seriously golden! Please keep this sweet family in your prayers. Several people have already asked how they could help, so I thought I would post the link on here. If you feel inclined to donate, I know that anything would be greatly appreciated!

Go to: www.nakifamily.com

An Amazing Man!

My dear Grandpa is fighting for his life at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. I feel so blessed to live close enough to spend some time with him. Through the radiation and chemo, he has done quite well, but has gone down hill rather rapidly since he was diagnosed. I got to spend some time with him yesterday, and had a flood of emotions come over me. He is so special. I just love him so much and feel so privileged to be his grand daughter. He truly is an example to me in every way.

A few attributes I don't ever want to forget about him are:
Selflessness, hard working, patriotic, intelligent, healthy and active, family oriented, musical, whiskery kisses, traveling machine, dedicated, spiritual, service- especially for the church, good record keeper, fun loving, and always making me feel so special!
He's simply the best, I couldn't ask for anything better. Hang in there Grandpa, I sure love you with all my heart! Thanks for everything.

*these pics are from a trip we took to Hawaii in Nov. of 2005, we were supposed to watch Frank play- but he had a broken ankle. (top: Grandpa and Max, bottom: Grandpa and Grandma Allsop)

"Vanilla Weiner Dogs"

So the other day Max wanted some vienna sausages with Sam and I knew exactly what he wanted, but I let him try to explain them to me. Here's how it went:



Max: Mom can I have some of those vanilla weiner dogs?
Me: I don't know what you're talking about what color are they?
Max: They are a human color and they kind of are the shape of string cheese but smaller.
Me: Oh I know what you want...You want some vienna sausages.
Max: Yeah that's what I want!

It gave me a good laugh inside!

Handsome Boys

We just got back from a weekend in Salt Lake. We weren't planning on staying for Sunday though, so Mom and I went and bought the boys some church clothes. They looked so handsome in their matching outfits.

My main SQUEEZE!

Chillin' in the car seat!

Look at how different these two are.

Happy boy...he loves dancing to music and playing peek-a-boo with me in the rear view mirror!

Growing Up

So It's been a while. We've had a lot of fun this summer playing outside with family and friends. This top picture is of Max, Cecilia and Samson with their cousins Molly, Emma and Jack.

Daddy and Mommy with their chunky boy! We really can't get enough of this guy. He is so sweet and really a joy to be around. His soft voice and curls along with his big blue eyes and long lashes truly melt my heart. Did I mention I love him a little bit?

We hope you've all had a great summer as well. Football season here we come! More pics to come soon.

update coming soon

wow I've been a total slacker. I promise an update will be coming soon. I've been busy playing with the fam, getting ready for girls camp and other yw stuff, and our computer is getting fixed which makes it hard to do anything consistently right now.

Anyway, excuses aside I will update soon I promise. Samson is getting so big!

Can't forget this guy...

Cecilia is still a little young to grasp everything we did at our party, but she sure had fun entertaining Samson!I seriously just can't get enough of him.

A New Tradition for the Mailes...

SPRING is in the air! We are so happy that it is finally warming up. Even better, we loved our NEW tradition. We've decided to celebrate each season with a PARTY on the 1st day of each new season. A few things we did were: a bug search, decorated foam plates and then made them into paddles to hit balloons, we read a story about a caterpillar turning into a butterfly and then the kids acted like caterpillars and then turned into butterflies to some classical music, we made pinecone bird-feeders, we had the classic egg hunt and then had lunch! Anyway...it was a lot of fun and I am already looking forward to planning my SUMMER PARTY!

Max doing the bug search...looking for the perfect bug!Cute Parker with his bugs! (Max's preschool buddy)
Instead of wiping the peanut butter on the cone why not some in my mouth! (Funny Boy)

Grace working on her bird feeder

Playing with their Spring paddles!

Pray for Bostyn

Hey friends and family...sorry I have not been on here for a while. I have a special request...will you please remember a sweet 3 year old girl named Bostyn in your prayers. She is currently in the hospital with a severe infection that is affecting both of her eyes and is spreading. The Doctors are still trying to figure out exactly what is going on, but they have been able to rule out Staff Infection, which came as a huge relief to Emmett and Ashlee. My heart aches for her...I can't get her off my mind. I know that the power of prayer is so real and I ask you to join me in praying for this precious girl! WE LOVE YOU BOSTYN! Max is very concerned about you and wants you to know that he hopes you get better soon.

Bugged

Morgan tagged me...I'm supposed to name 10 things that bug me...here we go:

1. Not being able to shower until 4 in the afternoon some days.
2. A messy car...I don't know why I can't stay on top of it, but it really grosses me out some days.
3. Paying bills.
4. When my kids are all having a "whiney day" all at the same time. (Patience, Patience, Patience)
5. Not having enough time to spend with my love. We are definitely stretched too thin right now.
6. My food not being hot enough.
7. Gossip.
8. when my feet get rough. (I LOVE pedicures)
9. food that I'm attracted to is so fattening...frustrating!
10. not being in physical shape that I'd like to be. ( I'm really trying now, and I feel so much better)

I tag: Ashlee Raisor, Ashlee Corrigan, Hillari, Cordie, Sunny Winter, Tayli Nelson, Brit Bethers, Jess (My sis), Karen (my sis in law), and Jenn (my cousin)

Love this...

Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

-Author Unknown

Happy Happy Birthday Daddy Dear....

Frank's Birthday was yesterday...and we celebrated with our own little family! We had cake and gifts and then we were going to go bowling, but since Frank has to be up at 5 and we were both so tired we decided to save bowling for this weekend. A few things that I love about this pic...Max's cute personally wrapped gift for Daddy-2 of his cars that he wanted to give to Daddy so that they can play! And also the candles...those are the only thing I forgot at the store, so Frank got to be 13 this year!

Happy Birthday Honey...we sure love you and appreciate everything you do for our family!

Samson GRADUATES!

It was a glorious day last Friday the 9th of January. Samson gets to go to nights only with his brace for his clubfoot. It looks good as new. This first pic is off of my Dad's phone (kinda crappy quality), but it really is the only one that shows his clubfoot pretty good before it was casted. It's the left one with the hospital tag on it. (remember his poor head too) So SAD!

This is him last Friday with Dr. Holmes (Pediatric Orthopedic Specialist) and Sherry the coolest Assistant ever!!! Check out that beautiful foot...technology and his doctor are AMAZING!

I just love my chunky happy boy!
p.s. he is now 22 pounds.

fun in the SNOW!

We had a lot of fun in the snow the other day. Mary watched the babes and I took the BIG kids out in the snow. Fun Fun!

Cecilia and Emmeline posing by a tree.

Max and Grace...funny little buddies!

I tried to take one of all of us, but Max came and tackled us at the last minute. Little stinker! This is the best I could get.

Thanks for the hot cocoa Mary!