Happy Gause Family

2012-02-08T18:36:00.000-08:00

Just a little drama:
I got a call from Katelyn's school at 3:30 a couple of days ago. School lets out at 3:15 so I was a little nervous when I answered thinking Katelyn might me hurt or something. It was Katelyn on the phone. She was quite upset and wanted me to come get her. I asked her why. She said that she was "SOOO lonely" and didn't think she could walk home by herself. We live 1 block away from the school. I can literally see the doors from my front porch. I told her, as sweetly as I could, that she needed to walk home. I went outside and met her part way and she was in tears... so upset!!! She asked my why I couldn't come get her. "Was I busy doing something else?" I tried to explain that we live really close and she truly will be OKAY for that 1 block walk home. We did arrange for her to walk home with a neighbor shortly after that to avoid the lonely walk home.
Ohhh... won't the teenage years be interesting with her..

2012-02-08T18:16:00.000-08:00

I went to a training for "Change Anything" at Jason's work. Periodically they allow friends and family to go through a training so the trainers can "practice" and the "friends and family" can enjoy a little perk of their loved one working at Vital Smarts. Jason is so awesome! He signs me up for the trainings and offers to stay home and watch the kids all day (ummm.... AMAZING!) Who doesn't want a break every now and again; plus the trainings are GREAT!!!! Well... before I left for the day I left a paper with instructions on it. Jason is an amazing father and doesn't really need "instructions," but I thought some info would be helpful like when to put Linc down for a nap, who would be taking Katelyn to school, etc. It was a very BRIEF list of instructions. When I came home Katelyn had written HER instructions on the back (and no, she was not trying to be funny... she is dead serious).
This is what it said:

Open garage at 3:10 (so she could come in after school)
Get out afternoon snack at 2:50 (2:50? I guess she wanted it ready and WAITING for her)
Let Lincoln watch a movie.
Make sure Ethan is a good listener (??)
Try to be quiet while Lincoln is asleep.
Try to get Lincoln to take a longer nap.
Make sure Ethan doesn't bam Lincoln on the floor (good tip).
Make sure Ethan has quiet time.
Help him get a treat.
Make sure Ethan and Lincoln don't get hurt.
Make sure Ethan gets playtime.
Try to make Lincoln cry not so often.
Read books to Lincoln.
Play some goldfish games with Lincoln.
Give Lincoln at least 2 naps.

I don't know what I am doing at home... it sounds like she has all the important points covered. She makes me laugh and amazes me at the same time.

When I got home I was handed the following 2 lists (by Katelyn)

BAD LIST FOR MOM!!! (Big frowny face drawn next to title)

1. Dad, Lincoln and Ethan were sleeping when I got home.
2. I forgot my beaver picture
3. I got no afternoon snack
4. Netflix won't turn on
5. Haunted Castle on Hallow's Eve is on my book list
6. Stains got on my good list
7. I have good news I don't get to tell you.
8. You could make everything better if you were here

Now, #8 kinda broke my heart, but.. in my own defense, I hardly EVER leave the house. It was an 8 hour day away that happens MAYBE once a year. There is more than a little drama at our house. Poor girl!

Here is the
GOOD LIST FOR MOM (followed by a big happy face)

1. For reading stamina I got 25!
2. I got all the way ready!
3. Junie B Jones is on my book list!
4. A book about Lincoln is on my book list!
5. People gave me the ball at airball!
6. We got 5 minute music!
7. No head on our desks!
8. The garage was opened!
9. I know how to get an afternoon snack!
10. What could be better than 10 good things?! (my favorite "good thing")
11. I started level M (reading level)
12. only 8 bad things and 12 good things

She has an active mind, if you can't tell... ALWAYS GOING! I thought that it was very sweet and mature that she was able to think of 12 good things to counteract her 8 bad things.

2012-01-28T20:00:00.001-08:00

So... I tried to spruce up my blog a bit. It is always fun... like rearranging furniture.

2012-01-28T14:52:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday it started to snow/rain... Ethan begged all day to go outside and play, but there wasn't even enough to cover the grass. I finally relented and went out with him. It was so fun to see his excitement. The first thing he did was open his mouth and try and catch snowflakes on his tongue... it's funny to me how we all want to do this for some reason... it's almost intuitive. I love the innocence I see in my children. It reminds me of what is important.

He looked up at the sky like he was seeing a miracle... it is a miracle that we just see as a weather phenomenon.

2012-01-18T20:00:00.001-08:00

My favorite Christmas memory this year:
We went to Grandpa and Grandma Reynolds' house for the annual BINGO game. I was in the adjacent room, later on in the evening, taking care of Lincoln. There are times, when we are at family gatherings, that I feel little left out because I am in the other room taking care of a baby, but this time was different. Lincoln was totally relaxed and I was totally relaxed. I sat and held him as I listened to the joyful chatter in the next room. I felt like everything was complete. Every time Ethan would open a BINGO present there was a little squeal of delight:
"Wow... a towel!"...
"Look... a big tootsie roll!"
He was just happy to be part of the action and get ANYTHING! It was so sweet to listen to. Then I had the thought :
"This (meaning Christmas) all began with a baby."
I was so happy to have my sweet baby in my arms to to be surrounded by that joyful noise.

I remembered Christ and thought about the peace and sweetness Mary must have felt as she held him on that first Christmas night. The holidays get too busy sometimes for me to slow down and remember what I'm really supposed to be doing. That moment brought everything together for me.

2012-01-18T19:20:00.000-08:00

This post is dedicated to Tawny.. my awesome sister (in law). She gave Katelyn this present for Christmas and Katelyn spent hours and hours playing with it. If you look closely at the picture you will notice that there are 600 stickers... that's right... 600. And there are 10 different themes (ummmm.... I think Katelyn invented this). So... you dress each girl in a different theme (choosing from the 600 stickers). This takes awhile (maybe 3 days) because there aren't just clothing items... you also add accessories and the accessories HAVE to match the outfit and the theme. When that is done... you cut them out (this takes a whole day or more... THERE ARE 80, REMEMBER)... then attach each girl to a large popsicle stick (because they are going to be puppets... of course). So... after a few days... we have 80 puppets. She wants to give some to her friends so we have to attach a special ribbon to these ones and then make a card to go along with the puppet explaining what it is and how it is to be used. These puppets she gives away must match her friends' personalities (which really isn't a problem because there are 80 to choose from). Well... she decides she can only part with 4 (count yourself lucky if you got one). The rest must be named and the name must be written on the popsicle stick. This takes about a day and a half to come up with 76 girl names (some were quite inventive)... Tayo, Labi... Then they must divided up into group and laid on the floor ( not too hard because there are already 10 themes). Once this is done, a backdrop must be created for each grouping.. so 10 backdrops were drawn and colored. Then we need a STAGE to put the backdrops in... I knew a kept that shoe box for a reason. Then she proceeds to rehearse a play for each group and then perform each play. WOW! It's like the book: If you give a pig a pancake (which I love)! I truly love Katelyn's creativity. She is amazing and smart and a little exhausting!

2012-01-18T19:17:00.000-08:00

Pictures with Santa...

Oh yeah...Lincoln loved it...

Jason was the MOST excited... ha ha!

And... Grandpa, that is just awesome. Most guys your age don't get to sit on Santa's lap. What a fun night to spend as a family!

2012-01-18T19:12:00.000-08:00

Ummm... this is just cute!
I love hooded towels for this reason. I will go out and spend $15 on a hooded towel when the one hanging on the rack will do just fine just to have this picture. I love to give babies baths... especially Lincoln. He loves the bath and he is just so cute and squishy!

2012-01-05T08:21:00.000-08:00

This is to all you moms out there with little kids....I just have to say this!!!! Getting ready for the day is overrated. Who really cares if you get dressed in your cutest outfit and fix your hair everyday? Today I actually got up, showered, kind of fixed my hair (the traditional ponytail because, why would I leave it down to let Linc pull all day) and put on a new shirt. It felt nice to be ready, but I really don't feel any different than yesterday (when I wore my old sweat pants from 4 years ago and a hoodie). We are supposed to dress for the occasion, right? I am a stay at home mom which involves a lot of manual labor, being on the floor and, lets face it, and lots of poo poo and pee pee. Why do so many moms thing they have to get up and look like a runway model everyday? I do think it is important to get ready sometimes so you feel like a human being, but not all the time. I opened the door this morning at about 9:30 am and there stood the primary president. The first thing she said was: "wow... you are dressed and ready for the day."

I think she said this because she wasn't...
I said " you should have seen me yesterday..."
She is the primary president and was on a primary president errand (at 9:30 in the morning). What was she doing instead of getting ready? HER CALLING! There is always a trade off... if you take the time to get ready, you may not have time to clean the toliet (which happened to me today). Because I am taking time to write down my thoughts about "getting ready" I probably won't get the dishes done before Ethan comes home from preschool. OH WELL!!! I wish everyone would stop being so hard on themselves (including me) about getting so much done. My kids aren't going to remember if I got ready or even if the dishes were done... they will remember how I fulfilled my most important calling of all: MOTHERHOOD

2011-12-01T20:06:00.000-08:00

Lincoln is 8 months old now and such a sweet little guy! It was warm (ish) the other day and we spent some time outside. He was being so cute, so I ran inside and changed him into a cute outfit to take pictures. By the time I got the darn outfit on he was pretty mad at me and would not cooperate. I am glad I took these pictures in his pj's before I decided to ruin the moment by changing him into a "cute" outfit. He is just as cute in his pj's anyway! And this is how he looks most the time- why on earth would you change a baby out of those snuggly jammies in the morning? Too bad we can't all look that cute in our pj's!

2011-11-10T13:36:00.001-08:00

wow.... I am on a roll today. (This is my 4th post). I like to do things in bulk...then I don't have to worry about it for awhile.

Ethan says the greatest things.... every time we drive past Cal-Ranch (or cow- ranch if you are Ethan) he talks about the time daddy took him there. The other day, Katelyn happened to be in the car. He gave his usual explanation about how daddy took him there.

Then he paused and said,
"There isn't any ranch at Cal Ranch." (We use a lot of ranch dressing at our house... kids will eat a lot more when it's dipped in ranch for some reason).

After another long pause he said

"There isn't any cows there either, but it's still called cow-ranch."
Excellent observation.

2011-11-10T13:33:00.000-08:00

So... my baby is 4. I guess he isn't really my baby, but I still feel like he is. It seems like the last couple of years have gone by so fast. I have found that the more children you have, the faster things go. I am a little sad. Ethan has such a tender little heart and is a very sympathetic little boy. I am so much more aware of his sweet innocence now that I have watched Katelyn get older (not that Katelyn isn't sweet, but as they get older the innocence fades... and it's hard to watch that go). Ethan is filled with this innocence and I want to freeze time.

2011-11-10T09:01:00.000-08:00

Happy birthday Ethan! Ethan just turned 4 and he had a friend party this year. It was... interesting... 4 extra boys in the house the day after Halloween was a little crazy, but that big smile made it all worth it.

new scooter... yahoo

THE cake. Don't things always look easier in a picture than when you try them yourself? Well... it didn't turn out as amazing as all the pictures I saw, but I also didn't have 43 hours to make it. I think birthdays are all about the cake... don't you?

Ethan wanted his Toy Story characters on the cake, but it wasn't nearly as big as I thought it would be, so we improvised. Of course, I think the first picture is better without 15 plastic figurines on it, but it was HIS birthday...

2011-11-10T08:26:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween! Ethan was superman and Katelyn was supergirl. I love the BIG MUSCLES on his costume... so cute! Lincoln was the cutest little monkey ever! He even enjoyed his first sucker while the kids did their trick or treating. I wish I had a picture of that mess!

2011-08-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

Katelyn started 1st grade this week! She was so excited!!! I am going to miss her. She is such a wonderful help and I am sad she will be gone all day, but she will do great!

Katelyn and Joe are in the same class... they have been friends since they were born (basically)...

Where is the sidewalk? Ohh... there isn't one... but I won't go into that! Katelyn is being extra cautious, walking in the gutter.

Ummm... BEAUTIFUL! She looks way too old to be going to first grade! I'll have to buy her a bat to keep the boys away in a few years (or sooner)...maybe one of those mini ones you keep in your car so she can carry it in her backpack.

2011-08-13T11:55:00.000-07:00

Katelyn cut her hair off! She has been saying she wants to do it for about 2 months, but I wanted her to REALLY think about it before we did it. She wasn't even phased when my MOST AWESOME friend Haley got ready to hack it off. I was having a hard time... Haley asked me if I wanted to sit down... ha ha! Well... Katelyn looks absolutely beautiful, as always. She even had enough hair to donate to locks of love. AMAZING!

2011-07-20T20:36:00.000-07:00

Well... it's official. I am
30
It's interesting that I remember each of my decade birthdays so well. When I turned 10 we lived with my Grandma Snow. I remember that my mom did my hair in some fancy french braid that went all around my head. I looked in the mirror and remember thinking... " Wow... I'm 10. I am so grown up." I had a few things figured out... I knew what that I wanted to marry someone like my dad when I grew up. I knew that I liked chocolate. I knew that I still had a lot to learn, but I was in the UPPER grades now and I got to play on the big playground.
When I turned 20 I was living in Hawaii. I played on the beach all day and then went to Hard Rock Cafe for dinner and ordered their biggest chocolate dessert. I had figured out a little more by then: I knew it takes hard work to get anywhere in life. I knew that sometimes you have to fight for what you want. I knew WHO I wanted to marry. I definitely knew that I still loved chocolate.
Well... now I'm 30 and I'm not sure if my hair will be in a princess braid and I wish I was in Hawaii, but I'm not. I will spend my day making meals, changing diapers, holding Lincoln and being grateful that my life is quite simple. I have learned a little more the last 10 years. I have learned that you have to give people a break sometimes, because everyone is going through something tough. I have learned that the only things that really matter are your family and friends and their happiness. I have learned that life goes by so quickly and it's hard to savor the precious moments, but we have to try. I have learned that chocolate is very important in my life... TRULY. I am happy to be 30 and have 3 beautiful children and a wonderful husband. Life just keeps getting better... I wonder what 40 will be like...

By the way... I wrote this on my birthday (July 21st) and forgot to post it... oops. I guess I am a little more scatterbrained at 30?!

2011-07-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

A couple of funnies...

Ethan was recently "potty trained" but refused to go on the BIG potty for fear of getting "lost." No amount of coaxing or bribing was effective so he has been using his little potty for a couple of months.

FUN!

Imagine Ethan trying to pour the contents of his potty into the larger potty at least 10 times a day (if we try to help a tantrum ensues and usually leaves one or both parties wet from the contents of the potty). To add to the pleasure, he obviously wouldn't go potty at any public place (or Grandma's and Grandpa's for that matter), because the potties were all TOO BIG! So we have been hauling around our beloved "froggy potty" (potty that look like a frog, if you aren't up on the lingo) for months.

SUPERFUN!!!

It is remarkable that I was able to fit the "froggy potty" under my stroller on several outings. And where, you might ask, do we put the "froggy potty" when it is in use? Wherever we are... church parking lots, Wal-mart parking lots, mall parking lots, you get the idea. I'm sure we could've found a private spot, but when you are hauling around a new baby and a little boy who doing a potty dance, who cares... we got a few looks, but I didn't really care...I'm too tired and busy to care what anyone thinks about our "froggy potty."

Then...
We have a major breakthrough... no more "froggy." Wonderful! It was like someone just flipped a switch.

So... as further proof that Ethan is a boy:
He was sitting on the potty yesterday doing his business (the one that takes longer) and he started complaining about how bad his leg hurt. (This is dedicated to you Tyler)!
HIS LEG WAS ASLEEP FROM SITTING ON THE POTTY SO LONG!
How does that even happen? I have heard countless men (mostly in my family) complain of similar ailments, but never a woman... why is that? Is the plumbing THAT different. I always believed it was in an effort to avoid doing the dishes after dinner, but Ethan doesn't have to do that yet, so... I may have to break down and get a magazine rack in the bathroom for him filled with Jonathon London's Froggy books (which are really cute and less messy than "froggy potty")

Another funny by Katelyn:

Every time she has a friend over she asks them if they would like a drink. They inevitably say

"Yes."

Then she asks if they would like ice.

"Yes." (again)

Then she asks if they would like it "crushed or cubed."

They are completely straight faced through the dialouge. How many kids really care about crushed or cubed ice (or know the difference)
Usually the answer is crushed if you are wondering. So... you better believe that you will get 5 star service if you come to our house for a play date.

2011-06-30T16:48:00.000-07:00

Lincoln is 3 months old! He is learning to laugh... it's the cutest thing! He loves to sleep at night (what a GOOD BOY!), but sleeping during the day is not his favorite. He is growing and is a BIG boy (as you can see). 14 1/2 lbs.

2011-06-30T16:42:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon... maybe we need a new car... or at least some new shoes (look at his shoes). As my dad would say: "Just get some shoe goo and they'll be good as new!). Too bad they don't make "car goo."

2011-06-11T15:48:00.000-07:00

Lincoln is a little over 2 months old now and... he's cute! He weighed 13'9" at his dr appt and the dr said "He has excellent head control for a 2 month old...hmmm... it's probably because he doesn't have a neck." Well... he's the cutest neck-less baby I've ever seen! (and thanks for the bumbo tip Tawny!) I would've never put him in one of these cute little seats, thinking he was too small. I think he'll outgrow it soon!

2011-06-11T15:42:00.000-07:00

My newest nephew:
Rodrik McCoy Gause was born on May 25th.
Oh... he is darling and sweet and a little smaller than Lincoln! HA HA!!

2011-06-11T15:39:00.000-07:00

Jason turned 30 this year... HOLY COW! I thought it appropriate to make a superman cake in honor of the event. We had a great time BBQ-ing with our neighbors...thank goodness someone has a backyard to BBQ in (we are working hard on ours...more on that to come). I also had a superman shirt for all 3 boys and am very upset with myself for not taking a picture of that. It was quite manly!

2011-06-11T15:32:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Snow Gause on his blessing day. I think he's mad because I tried to put a button up shirt and tie on him and he doesn't have a neck... but it was darling! Thanks Heather for taking some fabulous pictures of us!

2011-06-11T15:26:00.000-07:00

Here is Katelyn on kindergarten graduation day! I can't believe she'll be in 1st grade next year. It really did go by too fast and seems weird that she will be gone all day next year. I a little nervous to send her out into the world (well...that's what it seems like), but I know she'll do great and LOVE it! (and we have a brand new elementary that is opening up this fall only 2 blocks from our house)!!!

2011-06-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

Happy 6th birthday Katelyn! Katelyn begins planning her party several months in advance and the theme changed several times. I was happy that we finally settled on Rapunzel (because it is so easy to find Rapunzel stuff these days). She had an "agenda" for the party that consisted of :
1. Welcome (she informed me that this is when everyone arrives and we "welcome" them)... oh
2. pin the frying pan on Flynn Rider
3. tug of war with Rapunzel's hair
4. pinata (made by Katelyn)
5. cake
6. presents
7. play with presents

I tried to change the order during the party and she WOULD NOT HAVE IT! When I decided to stick to the agenda everything flowed smoothly.

2011-06-09T13:17:00.000-07:00

I have to do my annual post about Mother's day. I have enjoyed Mother's day so much these last few years because I have such a sweet and thoughtful daughter. This year she wanted to make me a meal, but the day was a little crazy and it wasn't working out. At about 6pm she took matters into her own hands and made something that she could do by herself. If you can't tell what this culinary masterpiece is, it is a PB&J cut into the shape of I love you. Oh my goodness... it was the best sandwich I've ever had!

Katelyn made this book at school. My favorite part is the picture of me. I am in a red dress lifting red weights... I don't ever recall doing this, but I'm sure that would be quite a sight. She also abbreviated the picture of the house: FP on E which stands for "favorite place on earth." I am so happy that she knows that HOME really is my favorite place on earth.

2011-06-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Ethan... a little tired

2011-04-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

Lincoln is 4 weeks old today! He is growing so well and is a happy little soul (most of the time). We are enjoying him! I know everyone says that it goes by so fast...

2011-04-05T19:13:00.000-07:00

My very sweet friend, Jamie, took some newborn photos of Lincoln when he was just 4 days old. She did an amazing job! I am so thankful to have some pictures of our sweet boy when he is so fresh and new. I am in love!

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2011-03-29T10:44:00.000-07:00

Lincoln Snow Gause was born March 23rd weighing 8 lbs 9 oz; 19 1/2 inches long. We are so happy to have him here!

2010-11-10T15:42:00.001-08:00

This free digital slideshow created with Smilebox

2010-11-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the newest member of our family. The ultrasound was an amazing experience. The baby was very active and cooperative. Everything looked perfect. The gender photo is at the end...if you can't tell what it is... I don't know what to tell you....

2010-09-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

Katelyn started Kindergarten (...a month ago...) It was uneventful. She is gone the same amount of time as she was for preschool; it's just everyday instead of every other... She loves it and loves her teacher, Mrs. Ericksen. She was NOT nervous...only excited!

2010-08-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

WHY....would I post a picture of Jason mowing the lawn? Isn't that a weekly event around here? well...first of all.....LOOK AT THAT LAWN!!!!! I mean: WOW! Jason planted it from seed with his bare hand (I think he used a spreader, actually; but he did push that spreader with this bare hands!) This beautiful lawn has been his "baby" and has gotten the care and attention of a newborn child in the ICU. Mowing it was a "milestone," so to speak. (And we bought a shiny new lawn mower!) The old one wouldn't have been good enough for OUR lawn...

2010-08-05T15:39:00.000-07:00

Katelyn LOST HER 1st TOOTH!!!! What?
I thought she was too young to loose teeth, but apparently not! It has been loose for about a week and it came out this morning. There were no tears involved! (do you KNOW Katelyn...pretty miraculous!) She was playing with Ethan and came in with a mouth full of blood and a tooth in hand. SHE WAS ELATED!!! (So was I because I didn't have to pull it out!)

2010-07-16T15:31:00.000-07:00

Josh and Chantel were married June 30th, 2010 in the Salt Lake temple! Congratulations! We love you!

2010-07-16T15:14:00.000-07:00

My newest niece: Camille Rose Snow
Tyler, Ashley, Lauren, and Cami all surprised us and showed up in UT at the end of June. We were very surprised and VERY EXCITED to see them!!! Isn't she beautiful?

2010-07-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

A day at the lake...
We went up to Payson lakes a few weeks ago and had some fun.
Thanks for letting us borrow the canoe dad!

He looks like he's on a mission...

2010-06-16T13:02:00.000-07:00

We did a bridal shower for Chantel (Josh's bride to be). It was a great party!

Josh's new mother-in-law

2010-06-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

This is the cake I made for Jason's birthday. This post is entirely dedicated to Heather to let her know that: I truly wish you were here because you are one of the few people who can truly appreciate this masterpiece. If you can't tell from the picture, there is a pool of magic shell in the middle of the cake. Let's go swimming!

2010-05-22T17:40:00.000-07:00

Katelyn's preschool graduation!
It was so fun to watch her sing songs for her program and receive her diploma. She was the last of 30 kids to get her diploma and I wish we had a picture of the look on her face while she was waiting. (She, like most 5 yr olds, is not particularly patient).

Katelyn with teacher Carrie. This woman is amazing and truly born to be a preschool teacher. When I commented to her how much we have loved her she said that it is such and fun and EASY (yes, she said EASY) job because the kids make it so pleasant. I obviously wasn't "born" to teach preschool ...which is why I don't...see how that works out :0

2010-05-21T07:39:00.000-07:00

Katelyn turned 5 on May 11! We had a Cinderella birthday party. Here are some of the highlights!

2010-05-10T15:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's day to me! I LOVE LOVE LOVE these sweet little gift from my kids. Ohhh... I love it! Jason gave me a really awesome watch too!

I'm not sure where the phrase "you shine" came from...probably from one of our signing time movies. It is very sweet either way.

2010-05-10T14:57:00.000-07:00

This is Katelyn all ready for "crazy day" at school.

This is Ethan all ready for "normal day" at our house...hmmm. I know these will come in handy someday. By the way... I did not put the dress on him. He put it on himself and I was told to"FIX" (snap) the back up. (just so you know...)

2010-05-10T14:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Grandpa Snow!!!

Homemade ice cream- my FAVORITE!!!

2010-04-06T17:50:00.000-07:00

We had our 2nd official semi-annual FANCY NANCY party on Saturday! It was a blast! My favorite part was the fashion show. It is fun to see different people's personalities come out during their runway debut-GO GRANDMA WING!

2010-03-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

EASTER BASKETS

I HAD to blog about these because I MADE THEM!!! HOLY COW! Anyone that knows me, knows that I'm not a master seamstress (or even a novice), but I may be considered one step above novice now (whatever that is). I am obviously excited about these. I'm sure that at least my sister Heather and my mom are slightly impressed, but the more likely response is them zooming in on the pic and saying:

"yeah...I see how you did that. oh yeah, right there...hmmmm... those turned out cute. "I COULD TOTALLY MAKE THAT;" at which point they get in their cars and drive to Joanns. If I had dollar for every time my mom said that growing up, my house would be paid off.
I guess I know where I get the bug from .

My friend Hillary made some for her family, and when I saw them I just HAD to make them (even though I knew I probably lacked the skill). I even figured out how to thread the sewing machine all by myself (sadly, that had been a big stumbling block for me in the past). Well...4 trips to the store and 2 trips to Hillary's (along with a few phone calls to Hillary) later, they are done. Thanks Hillary and everyone who read this long blog about my really awesome Easter baskets that will kids will keep and treasure forever and ever and want to make for their children when they grow up because they bring back so many memories and are so, so, so special to them, etc, etc etc... OKAY, maybe they are just baskets, but maybe not!

2010-03-31T20:23:00.000-07:00

Here is some Easter egg fun...

until the dye gets on the hand...oh dear... We still had a good time!

2010-03-24T16:02:00.000-07:00

Katelyn took a ballet class this winter. She thoroughly enjoyed herself. Here are some fun pics of the experience.

2010-03-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

We did the "Gause family olympics" for family night. We have various events throughout the evening including: the frog jump, the obstacle course, and the ever favorite, pillow jump. Katelyn reigned victoriously and was awarded a "gold" medal (that she made herself). Ethan usually comes in 2nd place with these games (because of his height and weight disadvantage), but he is just happy to be part of the fun. Go team Gause!

2010-02-11T12:48:00.000-08:00

Oh what do you do in the winter time, when all the world is grey? Here's what we do! I love the picture of Ethan jumping on top of Katelyn. Oops...look before you leap!

2010-01-16T15:40:00.000-08:00

I love these pictures of my family. Each picture really captures their personalities right now, and it makes me laugh and brings me joy. I love my family!

2010-01-03T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures of Christmas morning. The kids had a great time, for the most part. Katelyn really got into it this year and was kind of confused when Santa didn't bring her entire list....HMMMM... that never happens to me!

2010-01-03T15:35:00.000-08:00

Christmas would not be complete without Christmas Eve bingo at Nanny and Papa's.

My kids love "cooking time." They can't wait until it's time to lick the beaters. Isn't that everyone's favorite part?

Gingerbread house's are a tradition at our house. Ethan was old enough to decorate his own this year. I think he just ate the frosting out of the bowl while I decorated... (I don't normally feed my kids this sort of diet)

2009-12-23T09:00:00.000-08:00

A mouse in the house...
I have never had good experiences with mice (has anyone?) Last night me and Jason had a fun little experience with a mouse visitor in our home. The whole day was really a doozy. Katelyn and Ethan cried for probably 75% of the day...this truly is not an exaggeration. The culprit was the germ-X gel I put on Ethan's hands after the library. On a normal day, there would be a tantrum associated with this horrible practice, but we could recover and go about our day. NOT YESTERDAY! The screaming in front of the library was quite intense which ultimately led me to walk away (hoping that Ethan would be afraid of me leaving him and follow). That didn't happen and Katelyn threw an equally terrible tantrum, (and much more annyoing, because she is 4) because she thought I was going to leave him. I love my kids so much, but at that moment I almost hoped someone would come out of the library and see these two kids and give them a good home like 2 lost little puppies. Anyways...there was no coming back from the tantrum and the rest of the day followed suite. No one took a nap and I had to hide in my closet several times to remind myself that I love these kids and that the day WOULD eventually end. The day became more exciting when I found out that I had an overdue credit card balance on a card that I had thought no longer existed. That was fun to figure out. I tried to make a tutu for Katelyn's Christmas present and accidentally cut the elastic too short so I had to hand sew (because my sewing maching that doesn't work is under my t.v. downstairs) an extension into it. At the end of the day I sat down and decided to wrap some Christmas presents. I ran out of tape. I have never run out of tape. Someone gave us a case of tape when we got married and I have literally never run out until now. Hmmm...So I sat on the couch feeling pretty depressed and then a little mouse ran from our closet and hid under our entertainment center. Well... now I couldn't watch t.v. How INCONVENIENT! Jason, being the man that he is, knew that I would be unable to go on with my life until that mouse was dead. He looked around for a suitable killing device and eventually returned with a broom while I kept an eye on the mouses whereabouts. (I am a little surprised you are still reading this extremely LONG blog...but now you are sucked in because you have to know how this will end). After watching the mouse run around the Christmas tree looking for present for it's little self, it ran under the couch. I assessed what was happening and came to the conclusion that a better killing device would need to be obtained to rid our house of this unwelcome Christmas visitor. I proceeded to drive to Wal-Mart at 9pm on Dec. 22nd (not a good idea to start with), in a snowstorm. Yea! What a fun day! Yea! I received a phone call from Jason while I was selecting the best mouse trap. Does anyone like those "humane" traps that have no poison, but just a big sticky thing to trap the mouse. I could totally make one of those out of duct tape. One time me and my mom used one of those and heard a horrible screeching noise when the mouse was caught. We had to carry the LIVE mouse, stuck to the tape, out to the garbage. GROSS! I also think the "poison blocks they can eat and then run off and die in a secret hiding place" traps may provide you with a nasty surprise later on. Well... we didn't need a trap because Jason had shot the mouse with his airsoft gun while the mouse was trying to hide behind the couch. I was quite impressed with his manly abilities at this point. It is a pretty small target. He said that I should also buy some clorox wipes because there was blood splattered all over the wall. When I returned home, I was greeted by Jason, wearing gloves, a head lamp, and armed with an air soft gun. There really was a large amount of blood splattered on the wall! Guess who cleaned it up... my wonderful, mouse killing, clorox using husband! I just hope that was the same mouse that was down in our window well that I saw a few days ago and the same mouse that ate part of our stroller trying to get a stray pretzel last week.

2009-12-22T15:47:00.000-08:00

Our trip to temple square

“Temple. One other word is equal in importance to a Latter-day Saint. Home. Put the words holy temple and home together, and you have described the house of the Lord!” Boyd K Packer

2009-12-15T15:36:00.000-08:00

We went to the "festival of lights" in Spanish Fork. I like it because you get to stay in your WARM car.

Look how much fun we're having!

2009-12-15T15:14:00.000-08:00

Well... I didn't send out Christmas cards this year, so here is our electronic version : ) This year has been filled with new adventures and countless blessings.
Katelyn turned 4 this year. She is growing up so fast. She loves going to preschool, playing with friends, dressing up, coloring pictures and reading. She keeps us in line and I imagine that it will always be this way. She is definitely a BIG sister.
Ethan turned 2 this year. He is so much like Katelyn, and yet so different. He is very intense and this particular personality trait has become more apparent as he has gotten older. He is usually either VERY HAPPY (almost ecstatic) or VERY GRUMPY. Most people have yet to see this in him because he acts very shy and docile around other people. He is persistent and wants to do everything Katelyn does. Sometimes this pleases Katelyn very much, and sometimes she would rather not have a little shadow. He loves CARS, trains, and anything that moves.

Jason graduated from school last December and has enjoyed being home each night with his family and NOT doing homework. He works at Vital Smarts and enjoys the people he works with as well as his job.

I love staying home with my kids. I have tried to develop a few new talents this year. I took a photoshop class and am trying to become a master bread maker, but the latter may take another 20 years. My family has had many meals with my "scary" bread.

We want to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and hope that your next few weeks will be filled with love, laughter and the peace that comes through our Savior and his humble birth.

"What all of us long for in our hearts, at Christmastime and always, is to feel bound together in love with the sweet assurance that it can last forever. This is the promise of eternal life, which God has called His greatest gift to His children. That is made possible by the gifts to us of His Beloved Son: the Savior’s birth, Atonement, and Resurrection. It is through the Savior’s life and mission that we have the assurance that we can be together in love and live forever in families." President Eyring

2009-12-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

Our trip to the zoo....

2009-11-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

Ethan turned 2 on November 1st. Happy Birthday!

Ethan helped me make the birthday cake. What a good helper!

2009-11-07T15:38:00.000-08:00

WOLVERINE

2009-11-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

HALLOWEEN

Here's the family! Cinderella, Fancy Nancy, Wolverine and Superman

Jason and Justin were both Wolverine (and they didn't plan that, by the way)

This is my adorable nephew Jaxton. He was the cutest and chubbiest superman ever!

2009-10-30T15:37:00.001-07:00

Ode to "Muddy."

This is Ethan's precious "Muddy." Muddy (monkey) goes everywhere with us. He is a member of the Gause family. He enjoys family night, excursions to the park, dinnertime and even an occasional dip in the bath tub. Ohhhhh muddy, how we love you!

Ethan and Muddy enjoying a sunset together.

Muddy and Ethan deciding what to do next at the playground.

Ethan and Muddy at the temple water fountain.

Muddy and Ethan at mealtime. HOORAY! (I'm not sure if Muddy can breathe)...

What popcorn party would be complete without Muddy?

2009-10-30T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here's what I've been up to. I canned apple pie filling, applesauce and pears. I was quite proud of myself as this is the first time I have done anything like this by myself. I never realized the immense satisfaction people experienced from the "popping" sound of the lids when they sealed until the day I did this!

2009-10-30T13:17:00.000-07:00

These are Katelyn's new dressers! I love the way they turned out. Look at the "before" pics below!

2009-10-11T15:46:00.000-07:00

We had our semi-annual "girls night" while the boys went to priesthood session. This time we had a "Fancy Nancy" party. For those of you who are not familiar with Fancy Nancy...it is a book series about a little girl (Nancy) who is very fancy (hence the name). Katelyn loves these books and was thrilled about having a party just like Nancy. Here were some of he highlights:

Ethan and Lindsay practicing their piano skills.

Grandma Wing received a pedicure. She was VERY excited about this and wanted to know if there were any other spa treatments available (they were not). (We are on a budget here: )

Katelyn and here cup of whipped cream (with hot chocolate underneath)

Here is what we had for dinner. (It looks a little like a dessert-hmmmm)

Ethan and his Monkey were the only boys present at our party, but he didn't seem to mind.

Katelyn couldn't believe that there were heart shaped waffle makers. She looked at them for a long time before she ate them.

FANCY

FANCIER

FANCIEST

Lexi is so cute!

Cinderella showed up at the party and one little girl was very excited. After the party she told her daddy "Cinderella came to the party. SHE REALLY DID! SHE REALLY DID!

2009-09-02T20:29:00.000-07:00

Katelyn did soccer this summer. There is nothing cuter than watching a bunch of 4 yr olds "play" soccer. It was so fun to watch. The first couple of games she ran around watching her shadow and tattling on any teammate that touched her. By the end she really got in the thick of things and kicked the ball a few times. Every time she touched the ball she made it a special point to either come tell us on the sidelines or tell her coach. I thoroughly enjoyed watching her!

2009-09-02T20:02:00.000-07:00

Josh had his "homecoming" on Sunday, and, as is mormon tradition, we had to have a HUGE party afterwards with tons of food!!! Here are the many faces of Josh.

I just love these glasses! I had to post it! Thanks Dalton

Someone was having a good time...

2009-08-20T19:50:00.000-07:00

Elder Joshua Gardner Snow returned honorably from the Georgia, Mancon mission on August 18, 2009. I was really excited that we could be there to see him get off the plane. The first thing that I said to him was " You sound just like Tyler." He did. He talked very calmly and deeply (like Tyler). It was great to see him in the flesh and blood. I love those moments of reunion. This must be a tiny glimpse into what reunions will be like in the celestial kindgom with the people we love and remember and the people we love and don't remember. I am happy he is home (and sorry for those who don't live in UT right now), I'm glad to be in UT right now!

2009-08-20T19:49:00.000-07:00

First impressions... Ethan was scared or thrilled to see Josh. He is usually scared, so we took this as a good sign.

Mom gets the first hug.... (it was a long one for those of you who weren't there)

HUGFEST

2009-08-20T16:21:00.000-07:00

Well.... I haven't blogged for about 2 months now. We moved out of our house and were renting in Payson for awhile. We didn't have the internet for most of the time we were there, and it was sort of refreshing. It's amazing what you don't need (but I sure love the convenience of having it again). I think that sometimes I like to blog because it is proof to myself that I enjoy my life. I look at my blog and say "wow...we are a pretty happy family." I also realized that I don't need a blog to tell me this.

We have moved in! Here is a pic of our beautiful new house (the picture just doesn't do it justice). We have been so blessed through the process of building this house. We know that the Lord has directed our lives and that we are truly supposed to be here.

2009-06-24T20:08:00.000-07:00

2009-06-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Here are some cute pictures of Ethan (and Jason). Ethan loved everything about camping except the sleeping. We put him in his portable crib (I didn't want him kicking me all night...) at about 10:30 (plenty late) and he just looked at me as if to say "What am I supposed to do now?" He ended up sleeping with me half the night. The only place he thought was comfortable was lengthwise on my neck. It is not the optimal place if you need oxygen. FUN!

2009-06-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of our camping trip to Payson Lakes. (There is a melted marshmallow on the stick Katelyn is eating). She doesn't usually chomp on wood.

2009-06-22T15:32:00.000-07:00

The same day we signed our house over to someone else they dug the hole for our new house. Talk about excellent timing. We didn't make it up there in time to take a picture of the hole, but here is the foundation! I love the lot we got (especially after the ordeal it took to get a lot at all). It faces south an is in (according to me), the most ideal spot in the neighborhood. We are going to post pictures as every new phase happens so you can enjoy the journey with us! yea! yea! yea for our new house! And the view you see above will be the same view I see out my kitchen and bedroom window. It is within a mile of a new elementary, junior high, and high school and the church is about 2 blocks away!

2009-06-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

We just moved from our home of 5 yrs. It has been a really great experience living in Spanish Fork. Every single "I will never..." phrase in my life has come to pass. Here are some examples: "I will never go to Ricks college..." "I will NEVER marry you..." (directed at Jason and expressed with some intensity). "I will never live in Spanish Fork..." and "I will really NEVER live in Payson." Well... at least the stay in Payson is temporary. It is amazing, too, that all of these NEVER statements have turned out to be the greatest joys in my life! I am glad that God and all of the people around me just ignore me when I say never...especially Jason. Most rational human beings would turn and RUN the other way when someone gave them a statement like I gave him. He did the opposite and took it as a challenge and came out victorious as he always does when someone says "NEVER." I love this particular quality about him and believe God gave him this gift, mainly to marry me. (That may be a bit arrogant...) Back to saying goodbye to the house...it was very bittersweet. We have become a family in our house. We brought home 2 kids from the hospital. We have learned how to work together and play together and be happy! It is so much more to be than a structural dwelling. It is all the emotions I have felt over the last 5 years wrapped into one. We worked so hard to make our home look nice. You really do appreciate things so much more when you work for them.
As we were moving out and cleaning up I thought "Can the next people really enjoy and appreciate this house the way we do?" They will in their own way. There are things I won't miss, like the silverware drawer that was 4 inches wide, and the neighbors dog pooping in my yard daily (but I am assured there will be another dysfunctional drawer and an endless supply of pet shelter candidates awaiting me at my next house). All in all, I am excited to be moving forward to a new house and a new phase in life, but I will always remember our first house with fondness.

2009-06-17T08:30:00.000-07:00

Here is Ethan giving Grandma Gause a big snuggle. She was so helpful to watch the kids while me and Jason did the final cleaning of our house. When we got home, he didn't want her to go. He wouldn't let go of her. As you can see...she is very dismayed about this! NOT!

Here is my newest nephew, Jaxton Ryan Gause. The picture doesn't do him justice-he is so darn cute! I just love him! I love being an aunt! Katelyn loves holding him!

2009-06-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jason!

Here is Jason with his two friends (John and Mike). They are all playing with their IPOD's. Fun!

We have a fish ("Charley") that we have had since before Katelyn was born. We got him at Wal-Mart and he just seems to want to live forever. All of our other fish have died and we have refused to buy anymore, because we don't want to clean the fish tank anymore. He has lived all by himself in our little fish tank for over a year, and he just keeps swimming. Well... we are moving and I refuse to take the little guy with us, but I can't intentionally flush him or anything, so for FHE we "released" Charley into the wild. Katelyn was led to believe that he will be living with his mom. Yes...we are liars, but it's better than flushing him down the toliet for family night. I think he might actually survive in this little pond. It has roughly the same amount of algae as our fish tank, and I'm sure he'll be happy to have a few friends! Good luck Charley!

2009-06-05T15:36:00.000-07:00

Well...the long anticipated wait is over! Katelyn has graduated from preschool. HOORAY! There has been lots of challenges along the way: Name writing, letter learning, friend making. She will be attending the exact same preschool next year, so I'm not sure what she graduated to... but it was a fun ceremony nonetheless.

2009-05-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

So far, this was my favorite mother's day yet. I absolutely love these gifts from Katelyn. There is nothing more priceless and sweet than something made by your 4 year old girl and given with love in her homemade wrapping paper. I became a little teary (in between the laughing) when I read the paper below because she remembered so many things about me. Katelyn has always been observant and has quite the memory for a 4 year old. Just ask her what Mai Mai's favorite food is or what Corbyn's favorite color is or how old Grandpa Snow is. She will tell you... The other day we had a green balloon and she decided that she wanted to save it until Corbyn came to visit in July so he could have his favorite color. That is an example all of us should follow...that sweet simplicity in remember others.

2009-05-14T14:38:00.000-07:00

This was Katelyn's birthday present. What 4 year old girl wouldn't want that bike! (I would ride it if I could fit on it...)

This was one of Katelyn's mother's day gift to me. (It is a magnet with clothes pins to hang things on). Cute and functional. Thanks Katelyn!

2009-05-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th birthday Katelyn! She had a tinkerbell party with a bunch of her friends and it was a blast. There were 9 little girls running around my backyard with a plethora of emotions. Needless to say, 1 hour was long enough! She had lots of fun playing "tinkerbell games" and opening presents! I love this age because everything is so magical! You just need a little pixie dust and off you go.

Yes, I made this cake. It was so much fun, but took way too long! The frosting is fondant, and surprisingly, that was the easiest part. This is QUEEN CLARION for those of you who are not familiar with the Tinkerbell characters!

2009-05-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Jason graduated with his Bachelor's of Science degree in business management "officially" on May 1st. (He actually graduated in December, but was able to walk in May). I am so proud of him for finishing his degree while supporting our family so I can stay home and fulfill my role. We know that God has supported and guided us through this process and we are truly grateful. It has been such a blessing to have him done with school and home for family dinner each night! What a change!!! He has been able to start on the "honey do" list...
I LOVE YOU JASON!

2009-04-23T15:00:00.000-07:00

(Look at his hands...)

2009-04-23T14:52:00.000-07:00

Good ole' fashioned egg decorating!

Ethan had a good time finding eggs, but he couldn't pick any up because hands were already full!

2009-04-10T08:26:00.000-07:00

When the boys go to the priesthood session for General Conference, the girls get together and PARTY! This was Katelyn's first pedicure. After a nice foot massage and some yummy lotion, Katelyn put on her new pair of TINKERBELL SOCKS!!! They have remained on her feet (even to sleep) except for the 2 times I washed them. Yes... they probably should have been washed more than that, but I'd like to see YOU try and talk her into taking them off!

2009-04-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

It was Katelyn's turn to pick what we did for family night, so we went bowling. Katelyn was very happy with her pink ball. It is always amazing to me how much the simple things in life mean so much to us when we are little. Katelyn looks forward to "her turn" for family night with GREAT anticipation!

Ethan is so cute. I looked over and he was up on the couch "reading" the ads. I think he was trying to find a good deal! He kept saying "Mmmmmmm!" I think he saw some yummy food.

2009-04-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

Katelyn's dance class